Catching nano: Evaluating the fate and behaviour of nano-TiO2 in swimming pools through dynamic simulation modelling
File version
Version of Record (VoR)
Author(s)
Sahin, Oz
Sekine, Ryo
Stewart, Rodney A
Griffith University Author(s)
Primary Supervisor
Other Supervisors
Editor(s)
Date
Size
File type(s)
Location
Abstract
Engineered titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO2) in consumer products such as sunscreens widely used by swimmers in aquatic settings have raised concerns about their potential adverse impact on ecosystems and human health due to their small size and unique physicochemical properties. Therefore, this research paper aims to investigate the fate and behaviour of nano-TiO2 from sunscreens in swimming pools using System Dynamics Modelling. The study developed a dynamic simulation model that considers various factors, including weather conditions, sunscreen and pool usage behaviour, filtration efficacy, pool maintenance, water chemistry, pool chemicals, and TiO2 concentration levels, which can affect exposure levels for different scenarios. The study considered non-linear interdependent relationships, feedback structures, and temporal changes and dealt with parameter uncertainties through Monte Carlo analyses. The results reveal that the regular use of sunscreen leads to nano-TiO2 concentrations ranging from 0.001 to 0.05 mg/L within a year, reflecting seasonal and pool usage variations. The study also found that changes in the weight percentage of TiO2 in the sunscreen formulation and the filtration duration per day are the most sensitive factors affecting TiO2 concentrations. Scenario analyses exploring different nano-TiO2 removal strategies suggested that one daily turnover is necessary for sufficient removal. Regular manual pool maintenance and monthly use of a pool clarifier are recommended for enhanced and accelerated removal without substantial additional costs. The study is novel in its integrated approach, combining empirical work with dynamic simulations, resulting in a novel approach to model the environmental fate and behaviour of nano-TiO2. The study makes important methodological contributions to the field and has initiated an interdisciplinary collaboration to create more accurate models. This study is of great significance as it presents a pioneering analysis of the impact of sunscreen properties, user behaviour, and environmental stressors on the fate and behaviour of nano-TiO2 in swimming pools.
Journal Title
Journal of Environmental Management
Conference Title
Book Title
Edition
Volume
345
Issue
Thesis Type
Degree Program
School
Publisher link
Patent number
Funder(s)
Grant identifier(s)
Rights Statement
Rights Statement
© 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/).
Item Access Status
Note
Access the data
Related item(s)
Subject
Nanomaterials
Nanotechnology
Analytical chemistry
Aquatic pollution
Engineered nanoparticles
Environmental fate model
Sunscreen
System dynamics modelling
Persistent link to this record
Citation
Heilgeist, S; Sahin, O; Sekine, R; Stewart, RA, Catching nano: Evaluating the fate and behaviour of nano-TiO2 in swimming pools through dynamic simulation modelling, Journal of Environmental Management, 2023, 345, pp. 118786