Environmental aspects of the use of water-soluble polymers as stabilizers for metal nanoparticles

The article considers the impact of water-soluble polymers used in the synthesis of nanoparticles on the environment (soil, aquatic ecosystems) and human health. A bibliometric analysis was carried out to identify trends in the development of research on the use of water-soluble polymers as nanoparticle stabilizers in agriculture. Optimal conditions for the chemical reduction of nanoparticles were determined. Copper nanoparticles stabilized by polyvinylpyrrolidone were synthesized for use as agricultural biocides. Electron microscopy and electron spectroscopy showed that the average particle diameter was 6 nm and the stability of the colloidal systems reached 5 weeks. The ecological aspects of this approach were evaluated on the basis of experimental data on the obtained copper nanoparticle-polymer system and recent scientific and technical information. The polymers used in the synthesis (polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, chitosan) were found to be relatively safe for the environment and human health. It was noted that data on the accumulation of water-soluble polymers in soils and aquatic environments require further risk assessment. It has also been suggested that it may be possible to replace traditional stabilizers with more environmentally friendly biodegradable polymers and plant extracts.