Home > News > Nanoparticles from sunscreens damage microbes
March 24th, 2009
Nanoparticles from sunscreens damage microbes
Abstract:
Nanoparticles in sunscreens, cosmetics and other consumer products may pose risks to the environment by damaging beneficial microbes, scientists reported Tuesday. Nano-titanium dioxide found in personal care products reduced biological roles of bacteria after less than an hour of exposure. The findings suggest that these particles, which easily end up at sewage treatment plants after being washed off in showers, could eliminate microbes that play vital roles in ecosystems and help treat wastewater.
In the paper presented Tuesday at the annual conference of the American Chemical Society in Salt Lake City, researchers Cyndee Gruden and Olga Mileyeva-Biebesheimer added varying amounts of nanoparticles to water containing bacteria. The bacteria were grown in a lab and stained with a green fluorescent. The scientists saw significant damage to the bacteria's cell walls after adding 10 to 100 milligrams per liter of the nano-substance. The cell membranes changed from green fluorescent to a faint red glow, which indicates damage.
Source:
Environmental Health News
Bookmark:
| Related Links |
Dr. Cyndee L. Gruden, Ph.D., PE
| Related News Press |
News and information
Quantum computer improves AI predictions April 17th, 2026
Flexible sensor gains sensitivity under pressure April 17th, 2026
A reusable chip for particulate matter sensing April 17th, 2026
Detecting vibrational quantum beating in the predissociation dynamics of SF6 using time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy April 17th, 2026
Environment
A reusable chip for particulate matter sensing April 17th, 2026
Researchers unveil a groundbreaking clay-based solution to capture carbon dioxide and combat climate change June 6th, 2025
Safety-Nanoparticles/Risk management
Tiny nanosheets, big leap: A new sensor detects ethanol at ultra-low levels January 30th, 2026
Onion-like nanoparticles found in aircraft exhaust May 14th, 2025
Closing the gaps — MXene-coating filters can enhance performance and reusability February 28th, 2025
 |
||
 |
||
| The latest news from around the world, FREE | ||
 |
||
|
|
||
| Premium Products | ||
 |
||
|
Only the news you want to read!
Learn More |
||
 |
||
|
Full-service, expert consulting
Learn More |
||
|
|
||