Excessive nitrogen fertiliser use has resulted in reactive nitrogen losses to the environment through gaseous N emissions, like NO, resulting in agriculture being a major anthropogenic source of NO gas emissions globally. Using engineered nanomaterials to deliver reactive nitrogen can aid in more efficient nutrient delivery to crops, maximising yield and crop quality, while minimising reactive losses to the environment. ZSM-5-15, a nano-zeolite, increased cumulative NO emissions by 134% when applied in combination with a 50% dose of conventional nitrogen fertiliser. This is theorised to be through ion exchange of ZSM-5-15's extra-framework NH ion load being released, allowing nitrifying microbes to act on the newly released NH and increase NO emissions. BEA-19, a similar zeolite to ZSM-5-15 but with a slightly altered Si : Al ratio, size and charge, causes no increase in NO emissions. While ZSM-5-15 increases reactive N emissions it also drives improved lettuce growth, with 13% more biomass accumulation compared to a half dose of conventional fertiliser. CeZrO, a nano-metal oxide, improves growth by 6% and maintains the nutritive quality of lettuce, with higher Zn, Cu, Mg, K, Fe and Mn contents, without increasing NO emissions. Nano-CeZrO transforms in soil to form CeO and CeZrO, leaching Zr ions some of which form ZrCl. These compounds may then act on lettuce roots and soil microbes independently. These results indicate how nanomaterials may impact reactive nitrogen emissions through effects on soil microbial communities.

The recent application of sophisticated instrumentation and novel experimental techniques to environmental systems has driven the study of natural nanoparticles and nanoparticle systems towards new horizons. Moving beyond the detection of engineered nanoparticles in natural systems, these technologies create new knowledge about the composition, behaviour, and functions of natural nanoparticles as individual entities and particle systems. In this perspective article, we describe the progress and frontiers in this research area using case studies drawn from a range of published and unpublished data spanning diverse environmental systems. The companion paper defines the emerging field of environmental nanobiogeochemistry and describes the fundamentals, optimization, advantages, and disadvantages of field-flow fractionation and ICP-MS-based techniques for advancing our understanding of natural nanoscale particles and particle systems. Thus, by combining the necessary background with the most recent findings and key challenges, these contributions provide key knowledge for new and established researchers entering this exciting field and lay the groundwork for future research.

Standardized methods are essential for generating reliable and reproducible data to support risk assessment and decision-making related to soil contamination by environmental pollutants, including nanoplastics (NPs). This study evaluated the ability of the RHIZOtest method, a standardized soil-plant exposure system, in providing a high-throughput testing platform for investigating NP phytoavailability. As a proof of concept, tomato plants were exposed to artificial soil spiked with model NPs at concentrations of 400 and 4000 mg kg dm. Palladium (Pd)-doped polystyrene particles (PS-P) (a Z-average diameter of 210 nm, a surface charge zeta potential of -45.20 ± 032 mV, a polydispersity index of 0.1, and a Pd doping ratio of 0.295% w/w Pd to PS-P) were used as surrogates for NPs. Pd content was measured as a proxy for quantifying PS-P uptake. After eight days of exposure, Pd was detected in both the roots and shoots of plants grown on both spiked soils, confirming PS-P uptake and translocation. On average, 5 ± 1% of the spiked PS-P were taken up by the plants across spiking levels. Root concentration factors varied slightly between the lower and higher levels (31 ± 2% and 24 ± 3%, respectively), while translocation factors remained similar (∼25%). Root biomass was significantly reduced compared to controls, suggesting possible concentration-dependent PS-P rhizotoxicity. Notably, the limited variability in concentration values measured in roots (±11%) and shoots (±23%), along with near-complete mass balance recovery (97-100%), demonstrated the reliability of the RHIZOtest in accurately and consistently quantifying NP uptake while accounting for rhizosphere processes.

Touted benefits of nanoparticle-based fertilizers include enhancing crop nutrition by fortifying fruits or grains with nutrient metals and reducing environmental impacts of fertilizer use. However, the properties of the nanoparticles (NPs) and application routes required to achieve these benefits are not yet established. This study examined how a Zn-phosphate shell on ZnO NPs (ZnO_Ph NPs) affected root uptake, cellular distribution, transformation, and translocation of Zn in pepper plants (), and compared the efficacy of root- to foliarly-applied NPs. Pepper plants roots were exposed to ZnO NPs (26 ± 8 nm), ZnO_Ph NPs (48 ± 12 nm), or ionic Zn. After 6 weeks, 30-37% of root-applied Zn was absorbed, with 6.0-7.2% (2.4-2.9 μg) reaching the fruits. ZnO_Ph NPs resulted in lower total Zn uptake, but higher mobility into the root vasculature and stem epidermis, likely due to P-Zn co-delivery modulating translocation mechanisms. Foliar application of these NPs led to lower Zn uptake (2.4% for ZnO_Ph NPs; 0.5% for ZnO NPs) compared to root application. However, a greater proportion of the Zn that was taken up for foliar-applied ZnO_Ph NP translocated to the fruits (27%) compared to root application (10%). Root and foliar applications also led to contrasting Zn speciation in the stem vasculature. Foliar-applied Zn formed only carboxyl and phytate-like complexes, while root-applied Zn also formed Zn-S-R complexes, indicating distinct Zn transport and storage responses, possibly explaining the higher relative mobility to the fruits when foliar-applied. These findings demonstrate that Zn uptake efficiency and speciation depend on both application method and nanoparticle formulation. They also suggest that multi-nutrient NPs can fortify foods, potentially offering a new strategy for improving plant nutrition.

Understanding the neurological impact of nanoplastic exposure has become an area of intensive research recently. This study examined the molecular and cellular mechanisms of how nanoplastics affect amyloid-beta (Aβ) clearance by microglia in the context of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Transmission electron microscopy and molecular dynamics simulations showed that polystyrene nanoplastics accelerated Aβ aggregation by forming a protein corona, promoting peptide fibrillization through hydrogen bonding and π-π interactions. Flow cytometry and endocytosis inhibition assays revealed that polystyrene nanoplastics impaired microglial uptake of Aβ while increasing their own cellular internalization, leading to microglial energy depletion and allowing Aβ aggregates to evade immune clearance. Additionally, proteomic analysis indicated that polystyrene nanoplastics disrupted microglial homeostasis, exacerbated neuroinflammation and metabolic dysregulation, and impaired the signalling pathway of ABC transporters critical for Aβ clearance in the AD brain. These findings suggest that nanoplastics contribute to AD pathology by impeding Aβ clearance and corrupting neuroimmune defense.

Growing demand for metals, particularly those with irreplaceable utility within renewable energy technology dictates an urgent demand for the development of new innovative approaches for their extraction from primary and secondary sources. In this study, magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) were investigated for their ability to remove cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) ions from neutral pH aqueous solutions under anoxic conditions. A MNP suspension (1 g L or 5 g L) was exposed to varying concentrations of Co(ii), Ni(ii), and Zn(ii) (10-1000 mg L) in both single and mixed systems for 48 hours at pH 7.0 ± 0.1. Results show that MNPs can remove these ions to low concentrations ( values: Zn: 0.07 L g; Co: 0.02 L g; and Ni: 0.01 L g in single metal systems). Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis confirmed relatively homogenous surface coverage of MNPs by each metal, while X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) measurements determined sorption the formation of coordinate bonds between the sorbed metals and surface oxygen atoms (Fe-O). Overall, our results show that MNPs can serve as an effective and reusable sorbent for Zn, Ni and Co ions from circumneutral pH waters.

Transparent non-wetting surfaces with mechanical robustness are critical for applications such as contamination prevention, (anti-)condensation, anti-icing, anti-biofouling, The surface treatments in these applications often use hazardous per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are bio-persistent or have compromised durability due to weak polymer/particle interfacial interactions. Hence, developing new approaches to synthesise non-fluorinated liquid-repellent coatings with attributes such as scalable fabrication, transparency, and mechanical durability is important. Here, we present a water-based spray formulation to fabricate non-fluorinated amphiphobic (repellent to both water and low surface tension liquids) coatings by combining polyurethane and porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) followed by post-functionalisation with flexible alkyl silanes. Owing to intercalation of polyurethane chains into MOF pores, akin to robust bicontinuous structures in nature, these coatings show excellent impact robustness, resisting high-speed water jets (∼35 m s), and a very low ice adhesion strength of ≤30 kPa across multiple icing/de-icing cycles. These surfaces are also smooth and highly transparent, and exhibit excellent amphiphobicity towards a range of low surface tension liquids from water to alcohols and ketones. The multi-functionality, robustness and potential scalability of our approach make this formulation a good alternative to hazardous PFAS-based coatings or solid particle/polymer nanocomposites.

The term advanced materials (AM) is used widely to cover a large number of diverse new innovative materials, including nanomaterials, advanced composites, innovative surface coatings, (bio)polymers, porous and particle systems, ceramics, smart and metamaterials and advanced fibres and textiles. With any new materials, there are commercial and performance advantages that need to be balanced with any potential environmental, health and safety issues, for example, around exposure, toxicity, sustainability and waste. Key players in the UK from government bodies, research, measurement and standardisation organisations, academia and industry came together to consider these issues two online workshops in April 2021 and February 2023. At each event, scene-setting presentations by key experts were followed by discussions addressing salient issues, including, benefits and barriers to AM commercialisation, potential environmental, health and safety issues, and safe(r) by design approaches. The first workshop served as a starting point to share views on the potential societal benefits of AM and perceived obstacles to their wider adoption. The second workshop focused on safety by design, life cycle analysis and challenges faced at different points in the supply chain. In addition to confirming findings from previous studies, these workshops also highlighted specific challenges that are faced by small to medium sized enterprises (SME). These workshops provided a unique opportunity for policy makers, regulators, standardisation bodies, funding bodies and academia to understand the concerns of industry and researchers, who develop and work with AM. This included what they felt would help support them in their aims of developing innovative, commercially successful, safe and sustainable AM.

Layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoparticles enable foliar delivery of genetic material, herbicides, and nutrients to promote plant growth and yield. Understanding the foliar uptake route of nanoparticles is needed to maximize their effectiveness and avoid unwanted negative effects. In this study, we investigated how delivering layered double hydroxide ( = 37 ± 1.5 nm) through the adaxial (upper) or abaxial (lower) side of leaves affects particle uptake, nutrient delivery, and photosynthesis in tomato plants. LDH applied on the adaxial side was embedded in the cuticle and accumulated at the anticlinal pegs between epidermal cells. On the abaxial side, LDH particles penetrated the cuticle less, but the presence of the stomata enables penetration to deeper leaf layers. Accordingly, the average penetration levels of LDH relative to the cuticle were 2.47 ± 0.07, 1.25 ± 0.13, and 0.75 ± 0.1 μm for adaxial, abaxial with stomata, and abaxial without stomata leaf segments, respectively. In addition, the colocalization of LDH with the cuticle was ∼2.3 times lower for the adaxial application, indicating the ability to penetrate the cuticle. Despite the low adaxial stomata density, LDH-mediated delivery of magnesium (Mg) from leaves to roots was 46% higher for the adaxial than abaxial application. In addition, adaxial application leads to ∼24% higher leaf CO assimilation rate and higher biomass accumulation. The lower efficiency from the abaxial side was, at least partially, a result of interference with the stomata functionality which reduced stomatal conductance and evapotranspiration by 28% and 25%, respectively, limiting plant photosynthesis. This study elucidates how foliar delivery pathways through different sides of the leaves affect their ability to deliver active agents into plants and consequently affect the plants' physiological response. That knowledge enables a more efficient use of nanocarriers for agricultural applications.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1039/C9EN01427F.].

Nanomaterials (NMs) are increasingly used in medical treatments, electronics, and food additives. However, nanosafety-the possible adverse effects of NMs on human health-is an area of active research. This review provides an overview of the influence of biomolecular coronas on NM transformation following various exposure routes. We discuss potential exposure pathways, including inhalation and ingestion, describing the physiology of exposure routes and emphasising the relevance of coronas in these environments. Additionally, we review other routes to NM exposure, such as synovial fluid, blood (translocation and injection), dermal and ocular exposure, as well as the dose and medium impact on NM interactions. We emphasize the need for an in-depth characterisation of coronas in different biological media, highlighting the need and opportunity to study lung and gastric fluids to understand NM behaviour and potential toxicity. Future research aims to predict better outcomes and address the complexities of NM interactions with biological systems.

Silver nanoparticles (nAg) are extensively used across various fields and are frequently introduced into aquatic environments, where their behavior depends on environmental conditions. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) derived from aquatic organisms, such as diatoms, could play an important yet to be explored role in shaping the fate of nAg in aquatic environments. This study investigates the interactions between EPS, particularly those from the diatom , and citrate-coated nAg. The main objective is to understand how EPS influence the behaviours of nAg in freshwater settings, in terms of modulation of the nAg surface properties, colloidal stability and dissolution. To achieve these objectives a combination of the state-of-the-art spectroscopic and imaging techniques was employed. nAg was incubated with EPS isolated from an axenic culture, and their interactions were explored in a simulated freshwater environment over both short-term (0-2 h) and long-term (0-72 h) periods. The study focused on the changes in nAg, examining surface modulation, colloidal stability, dissolution, EPS adsorption on nAg, and the resulting eco-corona formation. The results indicate that EPS enhance the colloidal stability of nAg and decrease their dissolution in synthetic freshwater by adsorbing onto their surface and inducing steric repulsion between nAg particles. Visualization of the eco-corona formed by diatom EPS on nAg and its impact on aggregation processes is achieved through transmission electron microscopy. The formation of the EPS corona is attributed to the presence of diverse biopolymers within EPS, particularly proteins and polysaccharides. Fluorescence quenching studies on protein fluorophores demonstrate the formation, through hydrophobic interactions, of protein-nAg complex, further confirmed by AF4-DAD-FLD-ICP-MS. In a broader context, the results of this mechanistic study imply that diatoms, through the release of EPS, may significantly influence the destiny and possibly the bioavailability of nAg in EPS-abundant aquatic environments.

Methanol probe chemisorption quantifies the number of reactive sites at the surface of engineered nanomaterials, enabling normalization per reactive site in reactivity and toxicity tests, rather than per mass or physical surface area. Subsequent temperature-programmed surface reaction (TPSR) of chemisorbed methanol identifies the reactive nature of surface sites (acidic, basic, redox or combination thereof) and their reactivity. Complementary to the methanol assay, a dithiothreitol (DTT) probe oxidation reaction is used to evaluate the oxidation capacity. These acellular approaches to quantify the number, nature, and reactivity of surface sites constitute a new approach methodology (NAM) for site-specific classification of nanomaterials. As a proof of concept, CuO, CeO, ZnO, FeO, CuFeO, CoO and two TiO nanomaterials were probed. A harmonized reactive descriptor for ENMs was obtained: the DTT oxidation rate per reactive surface site, or oxidative turnover frequency (OxTOF). CuO and CuFeO ENMs exhibit the largest reactive site surface density and possess the highest oxidizing ability in the series, as estimated by the DTT probe reaction, followed by CeO NM-211 and then titania nanomaterials (DT-51 and NM-101) and FeO. DTT depletion for ZnO NM-110 was associated with dissolved zinc ions rather than the ZnO particles; however, the basic characteristics of the ZnO NM-110 particles were evidenced by methanol TPSR. These acellular assays allow ranking the eight nanomaterials into three categories with statistically different oxidative potentials: CuO, CuFeO and CoO are the most reactive; ceria exhibits a moderate reactivity; and iron oxide and the titanias possess a low oxidative potential.

Anthropogenic contaminants can place significant stress on vegetation, especially when they are taken up into plants. Plastic pollution, including nanoplastics (NPs), could be detrimental to tree functioning, by causing, for example, oxidative stress or reducing photosynthesis. While a number of studies have explored the capacity of plants to take up NPs, few have simultaneously assessed the functional damage due to particulate matter uptake. To quantify NPs uptake by tree roots and to determine whether this resulted in subsequent physiological damage, we exposed the roots of two tree species with different water use strategies in hydroponic cultures to two concentrations (10 mg L and 30 mg L) of model metal-doped polystyrene NPs. This approach allowed us to accurately quantify low concentrations of NPs in tissues using standard approaches for metal analysis. The two contrasting tree species included Norway spruce ( [L.] Karst), a water conservative tree, and wild service tree ( [L.] Crantz), an early successional tree with a rather water spending strategy. At both exposure concentrations and at each of the experimental time points (two and four weeks), NPs were highly associated and/or concentrated inside the tree roots. In both species, maximum concentrations were observed after 2 weeks in the roots of the high concentration (HC) treatment (spruce: 2512 ± 304 μg NPs per g DW (dry weight), wild service tree: 1190 ± 823 μg NPs per g DW). In the aboveground organs (stems and leaves or needles), concentrations were one to two orders of magnitude lower than in the roots. Despite relatively similar NPs concentrations in the tree aboveground organs across treatments, there were different temporal impacts on tree physiology of the given species. Photosynthetic efficiency was reduced faster (after 2 weeks of NPs exposure) and more intensively (by 28% in the HC treatment) in wild service trees compared to Norway spruce ( 10% reduction only after 4 weeks). Our study shows that both, evergreen coniferous as well as deciduous broadleaf tree species are negatively affected in their photosynthesis by NPs uptake and transport to aboveground organs. Given the likelihood of trees facing multiple, concurrent stressors from anthropogenic pollution and climate change, including the impact of NPs, it is crucial to consider the cumulative effects on vegetation in future.

This study explores the theoretical foundation behind the application of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for neonicotinoid quantification. Our findings demonstrate that SERS intensities are determined by the thermodynamic adsorption behaviors of neonicotinoid molecules transitioning from aqueous phases to gold nanoparticle (AuNP) surfaces. The dynamic ranges and limits of detection can be accurately predicted by classic adsorption isotherms.

With the exponential growth of the nanotechnology field, the global nanotechnology market is on an upward track with fast-growing jobs. Nickel (Ni)-containing nanoparticles (NPs), an important class of transition metal nanoparticles, have been extensively used in industrial and biomedical fields due to their unique nanostructural, physical, and chemical properties. Millions of people have been/are going to be exposed to Ni-containing NPs in occupational and non-occupational settings. Therefore, there are increasing concerns over the hazardous effects of Ni-containing NPs on health and the environment. The respiratory tract is a major portal of entry for Ni-containing NPs; thus, the adverse effects of Ni-containing NPs on the respiratory system, especially the lungs, have been a focus of scientific study. This review summarized previous studies, published before December 1, 2023, on cytotoxic, genotoxic, and carcinogenic effects of Ni-containing NPs on humans, lung cells , and rodent lungs , and the potential underlying mechanisms were also included. In addition, whether these adverse effects were induced by NPs themselves or Ni ions released from the NPs was also discussed. The extra-pulmonary effects of Ni-containing NPs were briefly mentioned. This review will provide us with a comprehensive view of the pulmonary effects of Ni-containing NPs and their underlying mechanisms, which will shed light on our future studies, including the urgency and necessity to produce engineering Ni-containing NPs with controlled and reduced toxicity, and also provide the scientific basis for developing nanoparticle exposure limits and policies.

Concerns about the safety of manufacturing and using engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) have been increasing as the technology continues to expand. Efforts have been underway to investigate the potentially harmful effects of ENMs without carrying out the challenging empirical studies. To make such investigations possible, the US EPA Office of Research and Development (ORD) developed the nanomaterial database NaKnowBase (NKB) containing the detail of hundreds of assays conducted and published by ORD scientists experimentally investigating the environmental health and safety effects of ENMs (nanoEHS). This article describes specifics of the effort to mine, refine, and analyse the NKB. Here we use a quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) analysis, using a random forest of decision trees to predict the cell viability effects that occur upon exposure to ENMs that are similar in composition and structure and implement a set of laboratory conditions. These predictions are confirmed using the Jaqpot cloud platform developed by the National Technical University of Athens, Greece (NTUA) where nanoEHS effects are investigated with scientists working together globally.

Infections caused by fungi are emerging global health challenges that are exacerbated by the formation of fungal biofilms. Further challenges arise from environmental contamination with antifungal agents, which promotes environmental acquisition of antifungal resistance. We report the generation of an efficient, sustainable, all-natural antifungal nanotherapeutic based on the integration of an antimicrobial natural essential oil into a gelatin-based nanoemulsion platform. Carvacrol-loaded gelatin nanoemulsions penetrated biofilms, resulting in death of cells in biofilms, and displayed selective biofilm elimination without harmful effects on fibroblast cells in a fungal biofilm-mammalian fibroblast co-culture model. Furthermore, the nanoemulsions degraded in the presence of physiologically relevant biomolecules, reducing the potential for environmental pollution and ecotoxicity. Overall, the sustainability, and efficacy of the described gelatin nanoemulsion formulation provides an environmentally friendly strategy for treating biofilm-associated fungal infections, including those caused by drug-resistant fungi.

Semiconductor InSe 2D nanomaterials have emerged as potential photoresponsive materials for broadly distributed photodetectors and wearable electronics technologies due to their high photoresponsivity and thermal stability. This paper addresses an environmental concern about the fate of InSe 2D nanosheets when disposed and released into the environment after use. Semiconducting materials are potentially reactive and often form environmentally damaging species, for example reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, when degraded. InSe nanosheets are prepared using a semi bottom-up approach which involves a reaction between indium and selenium precursors at elevated temperature in an oxygen-free environment to prevent oxidation. InSe nanosheets are formed as a stable intermediate with micrometer-sized lateral dimensions and a few monolayer thickness. The InSe 2D nanosheets are obtained when the reaction is stopped after 30 minutes by cooling. Keeping the reaction at elevated temperature for a longer period, for example 60 minutes leads to the formation of InSe 3D nanoparticles of about 5 nm in diameter, a thermodynamically more stable form of InSe. The paper focuses on the colloidal stabilization of InSe nanosheets in an aqueous solution that contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a natural organic matter (NOM) simulant. We show that EGCG coats the surface of the hydrophobic, water-insoluble InSe nanosheets physisorption. The formed EGCG-coated InSe nanosheets are colloidally stable in aqueous solution. While unmodified semiconducting InSe nanosheets could produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) when illuminated, our study shows low levels of ROS generation by EGCG-coated InSe nanosheets under ambient light, which might be attributed to ROS quenching by EGCG. Growth-based viability (GBV) assays show that the colloidally stable EGCG-coated InSe nanosheets adversely impact the bacterial growth of MR-1, an environmentally relevant Gram-negative bacterium in aqueous media. The impact on bacterial growth is driven by the EGCG coating of the nanosheets. In addition, live/dead assays show insignificant membrane damage of the MR-1 cells by InSe nanosheets, suggesting a weak association of EGCG-coated nanosheets with the cells. It is likely that the adverse impact of EGCG-coated nanosheets on bacterial growth is the result of increasing local concentration of EGCG either when adsorbed on the nanosheets when the nanosheets interact with the cells, or when desorbed from the EGCG-coated nanosheets to interact with the bacterial cells.

Multi-walled carbons nanotubes (MWCNTs) are used in materials for the construction, automotive, and aerospace industries. Workers and consumers are exposed to these materials via inhalation. Existing recommended exposure limits are based on MWCNT exposures that do not take into account more realistic co-exposures. Our goal was to understand how a common allergen, house dust mites, interacts with pristine MWCNTs and lung fluid proteins. We used gel electrophoresis, western blotting, and proteomics to characterize the composition of the allergen corona formed from house dust mite extract on the surface of MWCNTs. We found that the corona is dominated by der p 2, a protein associated with human allergic responses to house dust mites. Der p 2 remains adsorbed on the surface of the MWCNTs following subsequent exposures to lung fluid proteins. The high concentration of der p 2, localized on surface of MWCNTs, has important implications for house dust mite-induced allergies and asthma. This research provides a detailed characterization of the complex house dust mite-lung fluid protein coronas for future cellular and studies. These studies will help to address the molecular and biochemical mechanisms underlying the exacerbation of allergic lung disease by nanomaterials.

Metals and metalloids are widely used in producing plastic materials as fillers and pigments, which can be used to track the environmental fate of real-life nanoplastics in environmental and biological systems. Therefore, this study investigated the metal and metalloids concentrations and fingerprint in real-life model nanoplastics generated from new plastic products (NPP) and from environmentally aged ocean plastic fragments (NPO) using single particle-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (SP-ICP-TOF-MS) and transmission electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (TEM-EDX). The new plastic products include polypropylene straws (PPS), polyethylene terephthalate bottles (PETEB), white low-density polyethylene bags (LDPEB), and polystyrene foam shipping material (PSF). All real-life model nanoplastics contained metal and metalloids, including Si, Al, Sr, Ti, Fe, Ba, Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, and Cr, and were depleted in rare earth elements. Nanoplastics generated from the white LDPEB were rich in Ti-bearing particles, whereas those generated from PSF were rich in Cr, Ti, and Pb. The Ti/Fe in the LDPEB nanoplastics and the Cr/Fe in the PSF nanoplastics were higher than the corresponding ratios in natural soil nanoparticles (NNPs). The Si/Al ratio in the PSF nanoplastics was higher than in the NNPs, possibly due to silica-based fillers. The elemental ratio of Si/Al, Fe/Cr, and Fe/Ni in the nanoplastics derived from ocean plastic fragments was intermediate between the nanoplastics derived from real-life plastic products and NNPs, indicating a combined contribution from pigments and fillers used in plastics and from natural sources. This study provides a method to track real-life nanoplastics in controlled laboratory studies based on nanoplastic elemental fingerprints. It expands the realm of nanoplastics that can be followed based on their metallic signatures to all kinds of nanoplastics. Additionally, this study illustrates the importance of nanoplastics as a source of metals and metal-containing nanoparticles in the environment.