Nanomaterials in the Environment NEUTRON ACTIVATION OF ENGINEERED NANOPARTICLES AS A TOOL FOR TRACING THEIR ENVIRONMENTAL FATE AND UPTAKE IN ORGANISMS

2/g) were studied. Cobalt ENPs were taken up to a high extent durin g7do fexposure (concentration ratios of 0.16–0.20 relative to the ENP concentration in horse manure) and were largely retained within the worms for a period of eight weeks, with less than 20% of absorbed ENPs being excreted. Following dissection of the worms, 60 Co was detected in spermatogenic cells, cocoons, and blood using scintillation counting and autoradiography. The experimental opportunities that neutron activation of ENPs offer are discussed.