Nanopharmaceuticals (Au-NPs) after use: Experiences with a complex higher tier test design simulating environmental fate and effect.

The current environmental hazard assessment is based on the testing of the pristine substance. However, it cannot be excluded that (nano)pharmaceuticals are excreted into sewage during the use phase followed by entry into wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Sorption to sewage sludge or release via effluent can result in modified ecotoxicological effects which possibly can only be detected with a modified test approach. The objective of our study was to investigate a realistic exposure scenario for metallic nanoparticles (NPs) in pharmaceutical products, excreted into effluent, and released into the environment after treatment in WWTPs. The test approach was illustrated by using gold (Au) NPs. Effluent from model WWTPs were investigated in aquatic tests (Daphnia magna, fish cell lines). Sewage sludge was used as a sole food source (Eisenia fetida) or mixed with soil and used as test medium (soil microorganisms, Folsomia candida, Enchytraeus crypticus). To cover the aspect of regulation, the test systems described in OECD-test guidelines (OECD TG 201, 211, 220, 232, 249, 317) were applied. Modifications and additional test approaches were included to meet the needs arising out of the testing of nanomaterials and of the exposure scenarios. The results were assessed regarding the suitability of the test design and the toxicity of Au-NPs. Except for activated sludge as a sole food source for E.fetida, the selected test approach is suitable for the testing of nanomaterials. Additional information can be gained when compared to the common testing of the pristine nanomaterials in the standardized test systems. Effects of Au-NPs were observed in concentrations exceeding the modeled environmental.

The Proteome of Enchytraeus crypticus-Exposure to CuO Nanomaterial and CuCl2 -in Pursue of a Mechanistic Interpretation.

The transcriptome of the ecotoxicological model Enchytraeus crypticus (known as potworm) is well studied, but the downstream changes at the protein level remained a gap. Changes in the protein regulation following exposure to CuO nanomaterial (NM) and Cu salt (CuCl2 ) are investigated. HPLC-MS/MS using tandem mass tags is used. CuO NM elicits higher number of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) compared to CuCl2 with little to no overlap of proteins. CuO NM causes more stress response mechanisms, with good agreement between DEPs, genes, and metabolites. CuCl2 causes higher impact in shorter time periods, but organisms have conserved mechanisms (constitutive genes) that allow Cu handling and detoxification. CuO NM causes higher impact after a longer exposure period, inducing regulation of facultative genes with a whole differentiated paradigm and cascade. This could be due to different issues: 1) the cell uptake route is different for Cu NM and Cu ions, 2) internalized Cu NM can result in a "Trojan-horse" effect, 3) the cascade of events occurs in a different time order, and 4) the organism uptake is different between life stages, i.e., cocoons thickened surface protects the entry of NM and juveniles have facilitated entry via tegument. The data have been deposited to the ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD010647.

Interactions of Soil Species Exposed to CuO NMs are Different From Cu Salt: A Multispecies Test.

Although environmental effects are mostly assessed via standard individual species the ecological relevance of multispecies testing is well-recognized and highly recommended. Hence, the effect of copper oxide nanomaterials (CuONM) and CuCl2 were assessed using the validated soil multispecies system (SMS). Besides the individual species (IS) "standard" tests for all, a predation study was done. Toxicity was higher in the SMS than in the IS, and longer exposure showed increased toxicity. The predator ( Hypoaspis aculeifer) preyed most on smaller species, but the net biomass consumed was similar across species. Internal Cu in Folsomia candida reached ca. 140 µg Cu/g dry weight, fluctuating over time, especialy for CuCl2. Copper was mostly bound to soil components for both Cu forms (<0.2% of the total Cu in soil solution, < 0.007% on the ionic form, but the soil solution content increased with the total added concentration). Hazard Concentrations (HC5) showed higher toxicity and more similarity between Cu forms at longer-term exposure. Risk of NMs is relatively limited at present (IS based instead of SMS) with short exposure times (i.e., longer is required) and too few IS tested. The impact of species interactions is highlighted and is of key importance to include in ecosystem hazard prediction.

Fate and Effect of Nano Tungsten Carbide Cobalt (WCCo) in the Soil Environment: Observing a Nanoparticle Specific Toxicity in Enchytraeus crypticus.

Tungsten carbide cobalt (WCCo) nanoparticles (NPs) are widely used in hard metal industries. Pulmonary diseases and risk of cancer are associated with occupational exposure, but knowledge about the environmental fate and effects is virtually absent. In this study, the fate and effects of crystalline WCCo NPs, WC, and Co2+ were assessed in the soil model Enchytraeus crypticus, following the standard Enchytraeid Reproduction Test (ERT). An additional 28 day exposure period compared to the ERT (i.e., a total of 56 days) was performed to assess longer-term effects. WCCo NPs affected reproduction at a concentration higher than the corresponding Co based (EC50 = 1500 mg WCCo/kg, equivalent to 128 mg Co/kg). WC showed no negative effect up to 1000 mg W/kg. Maximum uptake of Co was 10-fold higher for CoCl2 compared to WCCo exposed organisms. Overall toxicity seems to be due to a combined effect between WC and Co. This is supported by the soil bioavailable fraction and biological tissue measurements. Last, results highlight the need to consider longer exposure period of NPs for comparable methods standardized for conventional chemicals.

Environmental Impacts by Fragments Released from Nanoenabled Products: A Multiassay, Multimaterial Exploration by the SUN Approach.

Nanoenabled products (NEPs) have numerous outdoor uses in construction, transportation or consumer scenarios, and there is evidence that their fragments are released in the environment at low rates. We hypothesized that the lower surface availability of NEPs fragment reduced their environmental effects with respect to pristine nanomaterials. This hypothesis was explored by testing fragments generated by intentional micronisation ("the SUN approach"; Nowack et al. Meeting the Needs for Released Nanomaterials Required for Further Testing: The SUN Approach. Environmental Science & Technology, 2016 (50), 2747). The NEPs were composed of four matrices (epoxy, polyolefin, polyoxymethylene, and cement) with up to 5% content of three nanomaterials (carbon nanotubes, iron oxide, and organic pigment). Regardless of the type of nanomaterial or matrix used, it was observed that nanomaterials were only partially exposed at the NEP fragment surface, indicating that mostly the intrinsic and extrinsic properties of the matrix drove the NEP fragment toxicity. Ecotoxicity in multiple assays was done covering relevant media from terrestrial to aquatic, including sewage treatment plant (biological activity), soil worms (Enchytraeus crypticus), and fish (zebrafish embryo and larvae and trout cell lines). We designed the studies to explore the possible modulation of ecotoxicity by nanomaterial additives in plastics/polymer/cement, finding none. The results support NEPs grouping by the matrix material regarding ecotoxicological effect during the use phase. Furthermore, control results on nanomaterial-free polymer fragments representing microplastic had no significant adverse effects up to the highest concentration tested.

Implementing the DF4 in a robust model, allowing for enhanced comparison, prioritisation and grouping of Nanomaterials.

It is here shown how partial order can be used to provide a robust and consistent implementation of the DF4 approach which provides unbiased information enabling comparison and open up the possibility for grouping. The approach is based on few assumptions, works well with the data, can include different types of input parameters, and can provide fundamental information about the ranks of tested materials. It is shown that the materials in many cases are below one threshold within a tier, but above another threshold within the same tier. It is also observed that the ranks of the materials can differ between tiers, although this is less relevant for DF4 since parameters evaluation may be hierarchical.

The Essential Elements of a Risk Governance Framework for Current and Future Nanotechnologies.

Societies worldwide are investing considerable resources into the safe development and use of nanomaterials. Although each of these protective efforts is crucial for governing the risks of nanomaterials, they are insufficient in isolation. What is missing is a more integrative governance approach that goes beyond legislation. Development of this approach must be evidence based and involve key stakeholders to ensure acceptance by end users. The challenge is to develop a framework that coordinates the variety of actors involved in nanotechnology and civil society to facilitate consideration of the complex issues that occur in this rapidly evolving research and development area. Here, we propose three sets of essential elements required to generate an effective risk governance framework for nanomaterials. (1) Advanced tools to facilitate risk-based decision making, including an assessment of the needs of users regarding risk assessment, mitigation, and transfer. (2) An integrated model of predicted human behavior and decision making concerning nanomaterial risks. (3) Legal and other (nano-specific and general) regulatory requirements to ensure compliance and to stimulate proactive approaches to safety. The implementation of such an approach should facilitate and motivate good practice for the various stakeholders to allow the safe and sustainable future development of nanotechnology.

An Integrated Data-Driven Strategy for Safe-by-Design Nanoparticles: The FP7 MODERN Project.

The development and implementation of safe-by-design strategies is key for the safe development of future generations of nanotechnology enabled products. The safety testing of the huge variety of nanomaterials that can be synthetized is unfeasible due to time and cost constraints. Computational modeling facilitates the implementation of alternative testing strategies in a time and cost effective way. The development of predictive nanotoxicology models requires the use of high quality experimental data on the structure, physicochemical properties and bioactivity of nanomaterials. The FP7 Project MODERN has developed and evaluated the main components of a computational framework for the evaluation of the environmental and health impacts of nanoparticles. This chapter describes each of the elements of the framework including aspects related to data generation, management and integration; development of nanodescriptors; establishment of nanostructure-activity relationships; identification of nanoparticle categories; hazard ranking and risk assessment.

Enchytraeus crypticus fitness: effect of density on a two-generation study.

Organisms' density can influence physiological processes related with fitness. In the present study we assessed the influence of organisms' density on the life-history parameters in two consecutive generations in Enchytraeus crypticus (Oligochaeta), a standard model in soil ecotoxicology. The densities tested were 1 (N1) and 20 (N20) organisms per replicate and 10 vs. 20 g of soil (for the 2nd generation test only). Results showed that reproductive output was affected by density, with organisms in N1 producing three times more juveniles per adult than when at N20. Organisms' length was affected by both density and space, i.e., organisms were smaller when less space available. Further, the density of parental generation (F0) had no influence on the endpoints reproduction and length assessed in F1, hence there was no transference of effects. These findings have potential implications in the standard Enchytraeid Reproduction Test, i.e. early mortality of the adults during toxicant exposure can affect the number and size of the offspring and the final results will also reflect the density related changes in reproduction.

Toxicity Testing of Silver Nanoparticles in Artificial and Natural Sediments Using the Benthic Organism Lumbriculus variegatus.

The increased use of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) in industrial and consumer products worldwide has resulted in their release to aquatic environments. Previous studies have mainly focused on the effects of AgNP on pelagic species, whereas few studies have assessed the risks to benthic invertebrates despite the fact that the sediments act as a large potential sink for NPs. In this study, the toxicity of sediment-associated AgNP was evaluated using the standard sediment toxicity test for chemicals provided by the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development. The freshwater benthic oligochaete worm Lumbriculus variegatus was exposed to sediment-associated AgNP in artificial and natural sediments at concentrations ranging from 91 to 1098 mg Ag/kg sediment dry weight. Silver nitrate (AgNO3) was used as a reference compound for Ag toxicity. The measured end points of toxicity were mortality, reproduction, and total biomass. In addition, the impact of sediment-associated AgNP on the feeding rate of L. variegatus was studied in a similar test set-up as mentioned previously. The addition of AgNP into the sediment significantly affected the feeding rate and reproduction of the test species only at the highest concentration (1098 mg/kg) of Ag in the natural sediment with the lowest pH. In comparison, the addition of AgNO3 resulted in reproductive toxicity in every tested sediment, and Ag was more toxic when spiked as AgNO3 than AgNP. In general, sediments were observed to have a high capacity to eliminate the AgNP-derived toxicity. However, the capacity of sediments to eliminate the toxicity of Ag follows a different pattern when spiked as AgNP than AgNO3. The results of this study emphasize the importance of sediment-toxicity testing and the role of sediment properties when evaluating the environmental effects and behavior of AgNP in sediments.

Combined effect of temperature and copper pollution on soil bacterial community: climate change and regional variation aspects.

The aim of this study was to assess the combined effects of temperature and copper (Cu) contamination in the structure of soil bacterial community. For this, contaminated or spiked and control soils from two different geographic origins (PT-Portugal and DK-Denmark) were used. The DK soil was from a historically contaminated study field, representing a long-term exposure to Cu while the PT soil was from a clean site and freshly spiked with Cu. Soil bacterial communities were exposed in mesocosms during 84 days to 3 different temperatures based on values typically found in each geographic region and temperature conditions that simulated a warming scenario. Obtained results indicate that Cu stress alters the structure of bacterial community and that this effect is, to some extent, temperature-dependent. Effects on bacterial diversity for both soils were also observed. Differences in the DK and PT communities' response were apparent, with the community from the historically contaminated soil being more resilient to temperature fluctuations. This study presents evidence to support the hypothesis that temperature alters the effect of metals on soils. Further, our results suggest that the definition of soils quality criteria must be based on studies performed under temperatures selected for the specific geographic region. Studies taking into account temperature changes are needed to model and predict risks, this is important to e.g. future adjustments of the maximum permissible levels for soil metal contamination.

ITS-NANO--prioritising nanosafety research to develop a stakeholder driven intelligent testing strategy.

BACKGROUND: To assess the risk of all nanomaterials (NMs) on a case-by-case basis is challenging in terms of financial, ethical and time resources. Instead a more intelligent approach to knowledge gain and risk assessment is required. METHODS: A framework of future research priorities was developed from the accorded opinion of experts covering all major stake holder groups (government, industry, academia, funders and NGOs). It recognises and stresses the major topics of physicochemical characterisation, exposure identification, hazard identification and modelling approaches as key components of the current and future risk assessment of NMs. RESULTS: The framework for future research has been developed from the opinions of over 80 stakeholders, that describes the research priorities for effective development of an intelligent testing strategy (ITS) to allow risk evaluation of NMs. In this context, an ITS is a process that allows the risks of NMs to be assessed accurately, effectively and efficiently, thereby reducing the need to test NMs on a case-by-case basis.For each of the major topics of physicochemical characterisation, exposure identification, hazard identification and modelling, key-priority research areas are described via a series of stepping stones, or hexagon diagrams structured into a time perspective. Importantly, this framework is flexible, allowing individual stakeholders to identify where their own activities and expertise are positioned within the prioritisation pathway and furthermore to identify how they can effectively contribute and structure their work accordingly. In other words, the prioritisation hexagon diagrams provide a tool that individual stakeholders can adapt to meet their own particular needs and to deliver an ITS for NMs risk assessment. Such an approach would, over time, reduce the need for testing by increasing the reliability and sophistication of in silico approaches.The manuscript includes an appraisal of how this framework relates to the current risk assessment approaches and how future risk assessment could adapt to accommodate these new approaches. A full report is available in electronic format (pdf) at http://www.nano.hw.ac.uk/research-projects/itsnano.html. CONCLUSION: ITS-NANO has delivered a detailed, stakeholder driven and flexible research prioritisation (or strategy) tool, which identifies specific research needs, suggests connections between areas, and frames this in a time-perspective.

Soil type dependent toxicity of AgNM300K can be predicted by internal concentrations in earthworms.

A continuous challenge in nanotoxicology is the interaction of nanoparticles with the soil components. In the present study, we compare the toxicity of silver nanoparticles (AgNM300K) on earthworms across 4 different soils, exploring which among the total-, soil solution-, or worm tissue-Ag-concentrations that enables the best prediction of toxicity across the soils. We exposed the earthworm Eisenia fetida to AgNM300K for 56 days to assess survival, reproduction, and bioaccumulation. These endpoints were related to measurements of Ag-ions and -nanoparticles in soil, soil solution, and in the worm tissue. Tested soils included the standard OECD, LUFA 2.2, Hygum, and RefSol 01A soils. Toxicity was strongly dependent on the soil type, highly correlated with the organic matter, clay, and Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC). CEC provided the best correlation with the internal silver concentrations across the soils. The soil solution did not provide useful predictions across the soils.

Iron Oxide (Magnetite)-Based Nanobiomaterial with Medical Applications-Environmental Hazard Assessment Using Terrestrial Model Species.

Nanobiomaterials (NBMs) have tremendous potential applications including in cancer diagnosis and treatment. However, the health and environmental effects of NBMs must be thoroughly assessed to ensure safety. Fe3O4 (magnetite) nanoparticles coated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) were one of the focus NBMs within the EU project BIORIMA. Fe3O4 PEG-PLGA has been proposed to be used as a contrast agent in magnetic resonance imaging for the identification of solid tumors and has revealed low cytotoxicity in several cell lines. However, the effects of Fe3O4 PEG-PLGA have not been assessed in terrestrial environments, the eventual final sink of most materials. In the present study, the effects of Fe3O4 PEG-PLGA and its precursor, (un-coated) Fe3O4 NMs, were assessed in soil model invertebrates Enchytraeus crypticus (Oligochaeta) and Folsomia candida (Collembola). The endpoints were survival, reproduction, and size, based on the standard OECD test (28 days) and its extension (56 days). The results showed no toxicity for any of the endpoints evaluated, indicating that the NBM Fe3O4 PEG-PLGA poses no unacceptable risk to the terrestrial environment.

Machine Learning Allowed Interpreting Toxicity of a Fe-Doped CuO NM Library Large Data Set─An Environmental In Vivo Case Study.

The wide variation of nanomaterial (NM) characters (size, shape, and properties) and the related impacts on living organisms make it virtually impossible to assess their safety; the need for modeling has been urged for long. We here investigate the custom-designed 1-10% Fe-doped CuO NM library. Effects were assessed using the soil ecotoxicology model Enchytraeus crypticus (Oligochaeta) in the standard 21 days plus its extension (49 days). Results showed that 10%Fe-CuO was the most toxic (21 days reproduction EC50 = 650 mg NM/kg soil) and Fe3O4 NM was the least toxic (no effects up to 3200 mg NM/kg soil). All other NMs caused similar effects to E. crypticus (21 days reproduction EC50 ranging from 875 to 1923 mg NM/kg soil, with overlapping confidence intervals). Aiming to identify the key NM characteristics responsible for the toxicity, machine learning (ML) modeling was used to analyze the large data set [9 NMs, 68 descriptors, 6 concentrations, 2 exposure times (21 and 49 days), 2 endpoints (survival and reproduction)]. ML allowed us to separate experimental related parameters (e.g., zeta potential) from particle-specific descriptors (e.g., force vectors) for the best identification of important descriptors. We observed that concentration-dependent descriptors (environmental parameters, e.g., zeta potential) were the most important under standard test duration (21 day) but not for longer exposure (closer representation of real-world conditions). In the longer exposure (49 days), the particle-specific descriptors were more important than the concentration-dependent parameters. The longer-term exposure showed that the steepness of the concentration-response decreased with an increased Fe content in the NMs. Longer-term exposure should be a requirement in the hazard assessment of NMs in addition to the standard in OECD guidelines for chemicals. The progress toward ML analysis is desirable given its need for such large data sets and significant power to link NM descriptors to effects in animals. This is beyond the current univariate and concentration-response modeling analysis.

Multigenerational exposure of Ag materials (nano and salt) in soil - environmental hazards in Enchytraeus crypticus (Oligochaeta).

Because of its properties, silver is among the most used metals both as salt and as nanomaterials (NMs), hence reaching the environment. Multigenerational (MG) exposure testing is scarce, and especially so for NMs and soil invertebrates. In this study the MG effects of Ag NMs (Ag NM300K) and Ag salt (AgNO3) were assessed, using Enchytraeus crypticus in LUFA 2.2 soil. Survival, reproduction and internal Ag concentration in the animals were measured throughout 7 generations (5 generations (F0-F4) in spiked soil plus 2 (F5-F6) in clean soil) exposed to sublethal concentrations corresponding to the reproduction EC10 and EC50 obtained in standard toxicity tests (45 and 60 mg Ag per kg soil DW for AgNO3; 20 and 60 mg Ag per kg soil DW for Ag NM300K). MG exposure caused a dose-related decrease in reproduction for both Ag forms. Ag uptake peaked in the F1 (64 days) for AgNO3 and F2 (96 days) for Ag NM300K, after which it decreased. In agreement with toxicokinetic studies, a maximum body Ag concentration was reached (20 mg Ag per kg body DW (AgNO3) and 70 mg Ag per kg body DW (Ag NM300K)) and after which detoxification mechanisms seem to be activated with elimination of Ag accompanied by a decrease in reproduction. Transfer to clean soil allowed Ag to be (fully) eliminated from the animals. This MG study confirmed the effects determined in standard reproduction toxicity tests but further allowed to monitor the dynamics between exposure and effects of the Ag materials, and how the animals seem to cope with Ag for 7 generations by compensating between detoxification and reproductive output.

Safe and sustainable by design Ag nanomaterials: A case study to evaluate the bio-reactivity in the environment using a soil model invertebrate.

Safe-and-sustainable-by-design (SSbD) nanomaterials (NMs) or NM-containing products are a priority. Silver (Ag) NMs have a vast array of applications, including biomedical and other products, even as nanopesticides. Thus, their release to the environment is expected to increase. The aim of the present study was to assess the ecotoxicity of the SSbD Ag NM to the soil model species Enchytraeus crypticus (Oligochaeta). The Ag NM tested consists in a SSbD Ag with biomedical applications, a hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) coated Ag NMs (AgHEC) and its toxicity was compared to the naked Ag NMs (Ag-Sigma), an Ag-based biomedical product (PLLA-Ag: Poly l-Lactide microfibers doped with Ag), and AgNO3. Effects were assessed both in soil and aqueous media, following the standard OECD guideline in soil (28 days) and the OECD extension (56 days), and short-term pulse (5 days) in aqueous media: reconstituted water (ISO water) and soil:water (S:W) extracts, followed by a 21-days recovery period in soil. Ag materials were thoroughly characterized as synthesized and during the test in media and animals. Results in S:W showed AgHEC was more toxic than Ag-Sigma (ca. 150 times) and PLLA-Ag (ca. 2.5 times), associated with a higher Ag uptake. Higher toxicity was related to a smaller hydrodynamic size and higher suspension stability, which in turn resulted in a higher bioavailability of Ag NMs and released ions, particularly in S:W. Toxicity was correlated with the main physicochemical features, providing useful prediction of AgNMs bioactivity. The ability to test E. crypticus in a range of media with different and/or increasing complexity (water, S:W extracts, soil) provided an excellent source to interpret results and is here recommended.

Advanced materials - Food grade melatonin-loaded Lipid Surfactant Submicron Particles (LSSP)-environmental impacts.

Lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs) are advanced materials (AdMa), particularly relevant for drug delivery of poorly water-soluble compounds, while also providing protection, stabilization, and controlled release of the drugs/active substances. The toxicological data available often focus on the specific applications of the LNPs-drug tested, with indication of low toxicity. However, the ecotoxicological effects of LNPs are currently unknown. In the present study, we investigated the ecotoxicity of a formulation of Lipid Surfactant Submicron Particles (LSSPs) loaded with melatonin at 1 mg/mL. The LSSPs formulation has been developed to be fully compliant with regulatory for its potential use in the market and all components are food additives. The same formulation without the thickening agent xanthan gum (stabilizer in water phase) designated as LSSP-xg, was also tested. Two soil model invertebrate species were tested in LUFA 2.2 soil: Enchytraeus crypticus (Oligochaeta) and Folsomia candida (Collembola). Effects were assessed based on the OECD standard guideline (28 days) and its extension, the longer-term exposure (56 days). Assessed endpoints were survival, reproduction, and size. LSSPs and LSSP-xg were toxic to E. crypticus and F. candida reducing their survival and reproduction in a dose-dependent way: e.g., 28-day exposure: E. crypticus: LC/EC50 = 30/15 mg LSSPs/kg soil and F. candida LC/EC50 = 55/44 mg LSSPs/kg soil, with similar values for LSSP-xg. Size was also reduced for F. candida but was the least sensitive endpoint. There were no indications that toxicity increased with longer term exposure. The results provide relevant information on ecotoxicity of a AdMa and highlights the need for awareness of the potential risks, even on products and additives usually used in food or cosmetic industry. Further information on single components and on their specific assembly is necessary for the interpretation of results, as it is not fully clear what causes the toxicity in this specific AdMa. This represents a typical challenge for AdMa hazard assessment scenario.

Intermediate-tier options in the environmental risk assessment of plant protection products for soil invertebrates-Synthesis of a workshop.

The European environmental risk assessment (ERA) of plant protection products follows a tiered approach. The approach for soil invertebrates currently consists of two steps, starting with a Tier 1 assessment based on reproduction toxicity tests with earthworms, springtails, and predatory mites. In case an unacceptable risk is identified at Tier 1, field studies can be conducted as a higher-tier option. For soil invertebrates, intermediate tiers are not implemented. Hence, there is limited possibility to include additional information for the ERA to address specific concerns when the Tier 1 fails, as an alternative to, for example, a field study. Calibrated intermediate-tier approaches could help to address risks for soil invertebrates with less time and resources but also with sufficient certainty. A multistakeholder workshop was held on 2-4 March 2022 to discuss potential intermediate-tier options, focusing on four possible areas: (1) natural soil testing, (2) single-species tests (other than standard species), (3) assessing recovery in laboratory tests, and (4) the use of assembled soil multispecies test systems. The participants acknowledged a large potential in the intermediate-tier options but concluded that some issues need to be clarified before routine application of these approaches in the ERA is possible, that is, sensitivity, reproducibility, reliability, and standardization of potential new test systems. The definition of suitable assessment factors needed to calibrate the approaches to the protection goals was acknowledged. The aims of the workshop were to foster scientific exchange and a data-driven dialog, to discuss how the different approaches could be used in the risk assessment, and to identify research priorities for future work to address uncertainties and strengthen the tiered approach in the ERA for soil invertebrates. This article outlines the background, proposed methods, technical challenges, difficulties and opportunities in the ERA, and conclusions of the workshop. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:780-793. © 2023 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

Governance of advanced materials: Shaping a safe and sustainable future.

The past few decades of managing the uncertain risks associated with nanomaterials have provided valuable insights (knowledge gaps, tools, methods, etc.) that are equally important to promote safe and sustainable development and use of advanced materials. Based on these insights, the current paper proposes several actions to optimize the risk and sustainability governance of advanced materials. We emphasise the importance of establishing a European approach for risk and sustainability governance of advanced materials as soon as possible to keep up with the pace of innovation and to manage uncertainty among regulators, industry, SMEs and the public, regarding potential risks and impacts of advanced materials. Coordination of safe and sustainable advanced material research efforts, and data management according to the Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable (FAIR) principles will enhance the generation of regulatory-relevant knowledge. This knowledge is crucial to identify whether current regulatory standardised and harmonised test methods are adequate to assess advanced materials. At the same time, there is urgent need for responsible innovation beyond regulatory compliance which can be promoted through the Safe and Sustainable Innovation Approach. that combines the Safe and Sustainable by Design concept with Regulatory Preparedness, supported by a trusted environment. We further recommend consolidating all efforts and networks related to the risk and sustainability governance of advanced materials in a single, easy-to-use digital portal. Given the anticipated complexity and tremendous efforts required, we identified the need of establishing an organisational structure dedicated to aligning the fast technological developments in advanced materials with proper risk and sustainability governance. Involvement of multiple stakeholders in a trusted environment ensures a coordinated effort towards the safe and sustainable development, production, and use of advanced materials. The existing infrastructures and network of experts involved in the governance of nanomaterials would form a solid foundation for such an organisational structure.