SKEP WP6 workshop 2829 February, Paris. Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Information technology and Co

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SKEP WP6 workshop28-29 February,
Paris.Nanotechnology, Biotechnology,
Information technology and Cognitive sciences
environmental opportunities and risks of
converging technologies
NBIC convergence and the environmentPotential
benefits, emerging risks and major stakes
Julien VERTMinistry of ecology, sustainable
development and spatial planning
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Green production
Ambient intelligence
Environmental applications of NBIC
technologies
Remediation
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From environmental monitoring to ambient
intelligence ?

• Nano enhanced monitoring devices faster
  response time, higher resolution, cheaper running
  cost
• New generation of nanosensors extreme
  sensitivity and accuracy, embedded and ubiquitous
  (intelligent sensors network)

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Remediation of pollution

• Nanoparticles show interesting potential for
  water, air and soil decontamination
• Nanostructured materials for filtration and
  catalysis
• Engineered living organism ?

Aggregation of arsenic molecules and iron oxide
nanoparticles for electromagnetic removal(Rice
university)
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Green production (resources, energy)

• Controlling matter at a nanoscopic level
• Breakthroughs in sustainable energy production
  and storage - photovoltaic cells- third
  generation biofuels- hydrogen production and
  storage- beyond batteries
• Molecular engineering ?

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Emerging risks of NBIC
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Environmental impacts
Social and ethical issues
Human health
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Human health issues

• New elements to consider when assessing
  nanoparticles and nanodevices toxicity
  composition, size, shape, surface properties,
  exposure pathways
• Current knowledge and approaches insufficient,
  but potential human health impacts significant
• Research and technical means needed ?

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Environmental impacts

• Environmental fate and impacts of nanomaterials
  largely unknown
• Monitoring and remediation of pollution, waste
  management
• Full life cycle analysis of green NBIC
  technologies needed
• What should be the research priorities ?

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Social and ethical issues

• Risk of technological divide
• Ubiquitous technology and privacy protection
• Frontier between living and non living
• to get alike masters and owners of Nature ?

Open questions and knowledge gaps
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Conclusion

• NBIC convergence is a major challenge for
  environmental regulation
• Research is crucial to better inform policy
  decisions for environmental regulation and
  research and technology development
• Thank you for your attention !

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Raw materials
Production
End of life
Transport and packaging
Life period
Open questions and knowledge gaps
Use or implementation