Nanotechnology Database Fact Sheet
Introduction
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology
Innovation (OSRTI), Technology Innovation and Field Services Division (TIFSD) is interested
in providing federal and state project managers and others with timely information about
developments in the field of hazardous waste clean-up. To achieve this goal, EPA has developed
eight on-line remediation databases, which are available on the Hazardous Waste Clean-Up
Information (CLU-IN) Web site (www.cluin.org). These on-line databases can also be used as
a networking tool (each profile lists a contact) to identify past solutions and lessons learned that
would apply to new sites with similar contaminants and climate. EPA has recently developed two new on-line databases
to summarize timely information about the use of selected full-, field- and pilot-scale applications of nanotechnology and
implementation of ecological revitalization. This fact sheet introduces the nanotechnology database.
D Nano Zero-Valent Iron (nZVI)
D Bi-metallic Nanoscale Particles (BMP)
D Emulsified Zero-Valent Iron (EZVI)
Background Information
Nanotechnology is an emerging technology that is
generally defined as the ability to create and use
materials, devices and systems with unique properties
with a size of approximately 1 to 100 nanometers (nm).
Applications of nanotechnology in environmental
Type of Nanomaterials and Percentage Use at Database Sites
protection draw on the unique properties of these materials and include (1) sensors for improved monitoring and
detection capabilities and (2) treatment and remediation techniques for cost-effective and rapid site cleanup. This
database contains information about completed and on-going projects where nanotechnology was applied to
aid in the cleanup process. Projects for this database are collected using information from technical journals and
conference proceedings, as well as information obtained from technology vendors and site managers.
As of November 2009, the database included information on 17 nanotechnology projects, describing domestic
and international sites and completed and on-going nanotechnology applications. The project profiles provide
information on the site history, the types of contaminants treated, the nanomaterial vendor and the type of
nanomaterial used. Performance results, cost, length of operation and monitoring requirements are also included.
As shown in the pie chart (upper left), the primary types of nanomaterials applied at the 1 7 sites include nano
zero-valent iron (nZVI), bi-metallic nanoscale particles (BNP), and emulsified zero-valent iron (EZVI). Profiles include
nanotechnology applications for the remediation of contaminants such as trichloroethene (TCE), perchloroethene
(PCE), 1,2-dichloroethane (DCA) and vinyl chloride in various media. The nanotechnology database can be found
on the Hazardous Waste Clean-Up Information (CLU-IN) Web site at www.clu-in.org/products/nano/.
How Can I Share Information on Additional Projects and Sites?
EPA is continuing to examine trends in the use of nanotechnology. Areas of particular interest
include measurement of performance and cost, use of nanotechnology in remedial systems, and
the fate and transport of contaminants where nanomaterials are used. EPA encourages project
managers, site owners, and technology vendors to share information to update existing profiles or
add new profiles. To share information on new or existing sites, contact John Quander, EPA, by
telephone at (703) 603-71 98, or by e-mail at quander.john@epa.gov.
Office of Solid Waste and
Emergency Response
EPA-542-F-10-002
February 2010
www.cluin.org
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O
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Office of Solid Waste and
Emergency Response
(5203P)
National Service Center for
Environmental Publications
P.O. Box 42419
Cincinnati, OH 45242
Official Business
Penalty for Private Use $300
EPA-542-F-10-002
February 2010
www.epa.gov
www.cluin.org
Nanotechnology Database
This fact sheet describes a new on-line Nanotechnology database that is available on the Hazardous Waste
Clean-Up Information (CLU-IN) Web site (www.cluin.org) sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency's (EPA) Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation (OSRTI), Technology Innovation
and Field Services Division (TIFSD). For additional information on the Nanotechnology database, or any of the
ten remediation databases featured on this web site, please visit the following web links:
Ecological Revitalization (NEW)
www.clu-in.org/products/ecorev/
Nanotechnology (NEW)
www.clu-in.org/products/nano/
Phytotechnology
www.clu-in.org/products/phyto/
In Situ Chemical Oxidation
www.clu-in.org/products/chemox/
Remediation Technology Demonstration
www.clu-in.org/products/demos/
• In Situ Flushing
www.clu-in.org/products/isf/
* Fractured Bedrock
www.clu-in.org/fracrock/
* MtBE Treatment
www.clu-in.org/products/mtbe/
» Alternative Landfill Covers
www.clu-in.org/products/altcovers/
* In Situ Thermal Treatment
www.clu-in.org/products/thermal/
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