Investigation of Airborne Nanoparticles: The Focus on Analytical Chemistry

The use of nanoparticles (NPs) in commercial products and industrial processes has exponentially increased in the last 15 years due to their unique physical and chemical properties at nanoscales. The projected scenario would indicate a continuously increasing growth. This fact has inevitably led to the release of NPs into the environment. Their fate, biodegradation, persistence, behavior and stability in the atmosphere play important roles in determining their distribution and exposure routes that also pose a risk to human health. This chapter provides an overview of NP attributes and characteristics with a comprehensive description of the different natural and anthropogenic sources including stationary and mobile sources originated by combustion and wear, and nano-engineered particles. A variety of methodologies most employed for the determination of NPs is described. A complete characterization profile of NPs is still a challenging task. Many of the techniques used are complementary and in most cases several and complex techniques are necessary to reach a comprehensive characterization. Much work has been done and there is still much more to be done to improve the sensitivity and selectivity of the techniques used for NP characterization. Aspects related to the potential toxicity of airborne NPs and health effects are not covered.