| Abstract [eng] |
The increasing number of nanotechnology-based products reach the market and it has become very important to assess the benefits and risks associated with these products. Silver nanoparticles, because of their strong antibacterial activity, are one of the most widely used nanomaterials in consumer products. In this context, the study aims to evaluate the environmental impact of life cycle of cleaners containing silver nanoparticles. In order to achieve this aim, it was planned to analyse the scientific literature available on silver nanoparticle properties, describe the life cycle of cleaners containing silver nanoparticles, carry out the inventory analysis, estimate the impact on the environment using SimaPro software and provide recommendations on mitigating the impact. The life cycle of cleaner containing silver nanoparticles consists of raw materials production (focus on nanoparticle production), transportation of raw materials, cleaners production in the factory, products transportation, use (cloth and water is needed for rinsing) and disposal. In the final stage, empty packaging of cleaners are disposed by packaging waste disposal scenario specific to Lithuania and cloths are disposed in a landfill. Selected functional unit for this life cycle assessment – one year kitchen cleaning per household in Lithuania. It is estimated that during the year, each household consumes 12 spray cleaner bottles (500 ml). The manufacture of one bottle of cleaner requires 0.75 Wh of electricity, and the production of 2.5 g of colloidal silver nanoparticles solution requires 385.5 Wh of electricity. The life cycle impact assessment has revealed that the strongest impact of life cycle of cleaners containing silver nanoparticles is 49.9 kg of CO2 equivalent in climate change category. The biggest contribution (67.6 %) to this value is from product use phase impact on the environment, particularly the cloths disposal in a landfill. The second significant life cycle of cleaners containing silver nanoparticles impact indicator – human toxicity, the value is equivalent to 45.9 kg of 1,4-dichlorbenzene. The comparison between life cycle impact of conventional antibacterial cleaner and the cleaner with silver nanoparticles showed that conventional cleaner has a greater impact on the environment. Climate change indicator of life cycle of conventional cleaner (65 kg of CO2 equivalent) is 30.26 % higher than the cleaner’s with nanoparticles. Recommendation concerning the production of silver nanoparticle is to use an aqueous grape seed extract as a reduction agent in the process. Reducing the impact of the life cycle use phase is difficult, however clear usage instructions on product packaging could promote the right use of cleaner and reduce environmental impact. |
