Incineration: Paradigm for nanowaste disposal

Engineered nanoparticles(ENMs) are extensively used in varied consumer products. Along the period of usage for nano-enabled products, these nano particles can be released into the environment and get accumulated in the waste streams. Accidental or deliberate release of nanoparticles in the environment results into a new type of waste which is termed as nanowaste. In the framework of this review paper, details about nanowaste, challenges encountered during nanowaste management, Incineration as a method of ultimate disposal, Behaviour of Cerium oxide nanoparticles during incineration and post incineration strategies are summarized. Suitable analytical methods for characterization of nanowaste form the backbone of the nanowaste management system. Various methods for nanowaste sampling, separation and quantification are used according to the nature of the nanomaterial. Incineration can be used for most of the nanomaterials, but not for all, due to varied behaviour of nanoparticles under the incinerating conditions. Behaviour of nanoparticles constituting the nanowaste must be analysed before subjecting it to incineration. As per the incineration outcomes, post incineration steps may be required for ultimate disposal. With full regard of the current developments in this field, further work must be conducted for apposite characterization of the nanoparticles and appropriate incineration techniques. Moreover, improvement of the current disposal methods, to minimize hazards and disposal costs is essential along with development of new methods.