Alchemist Cafe Dublin, The Nano-Environment, Wednesday 5th August 2009, The Mercantile, Dame St. (8.00pm)

[Alchemist Cafe]

Alchemist Cafe Dublin


The nano-environment: nanotechnology applications and impact on the
environment

Dr. Iseult Lynch is the Strategic Research Manager for the Centre for
BioNano Interactions, which looks at the relationships between
engineered objects at the nanoscale and living systems, and is one of
the top nanosafety experts in Ireland.

In this talk, Dr. Lynch discusses the many benefits of nanotechnology
for the environment, such as water purification and desalination,
remediation, energy capture and storage and green nanotech
manufacturing and engineering. Nanoscale sensors are being
investigated for detection of biological compounds such as algal
toxins in the marine environment or mycobacteria present in drinking
water. Nanoscale particles used in treatment and remediation have the
ability to access areas that larger molecules cannot, and their large
surface area means that they can absorb very large amounts of
pollutants or other toxic waste chemicals, thereby removing them from
the soil or water.

Due to their very small size, engineered nanomaterials are able to
access many compartments of living systems not usually accessible to
bulk materials. This presents significant challenges for scientists to
ensure that the applications being developed are safe and do not cause
environmental harm.

While no clearly identifiable hazards have as yet emerged from
nanoscale science alone, according to Dr. Lynch, it will be necessary
to develop a thorough knowledge of any ecotoxicological impacts (and
methods to identify them) before developing future practices in
environmental and health protection agencies.


Date: Wednesday 5th August 2009
Location: The Mercantile, Dame St, Dublin 2
Time: 8.00pm (Sharp)
Admission: Free - All Welcome!

In association with the Environmental Protection Agency, Discover
Science & Engineering and CPL.