Deducing quantitative ENP release data from experimental investigations that ENMD-2076 is generally valid is limited by the complex interplay of ENPs and matrix constituents, the multitude of release patterns and spatial and temporal variations. This applies for both, point-sources and especially for non-point sources, which are highly challenging to monitor. Furthermore, release studies are often conducted under simplified conditions in order to ensure analytical feasibility. Hence, additional matrix-interactions are likely to occur in real-world release scenarios. Consequently, release coefficients and transfer coefficients during production, usage, and disposal are largely unknown.
Therefore, estimating release levels has currently to rely on material flow analyses which are assumption–or probability-based modeling studies (e.g. Sun et?al., 2014 and Keller et?al., 2013). While such models are crucial for gaining holistic views of ENP release, their validation is hampered by the lack of analytical data. In addition, knowledge on the forms in which ENPs are released is required for assessing the risk they pose to drinking water supply. Currently, this is hardly incorporated in these models since only few studies have tried to establish what changes ENPs undergo during their life cycle (Mitrano et al., 2015).
Therefore, estimating release levels has currently to rely on material flow analyses which are assumption–or probability-based modeling studies (e.g. Sun et?al., 2014 and Keller et?al., 2013). While such models are crucial for gaining holistic views of ENP release, their validation is hampered by the lack of analytical data. In addition, knowledge on the forms in which ENPs are released is required for assessing the risk they pose to drinking water supply. Currently, this is hardly incorporated in these models since only few studies have tried to establish what changes ENPs undergo during their life cycle (Mitrano et al., 2015).