Environmental and Social Impact Assessment of Nanotechnologies in Agriculture: A Methodological Approach

• Grant number: 10/14100-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: April 01, 2011
• End date: March 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Katia Regina Evaristo de Jesus
• Grantee: Beatriz de Faria Carniel
• Host Institution: Embrapa Meio-Ambiente. Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (EMBRAPA). Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (Brasil). Jaguariúna , SP, Brazil

Abstract

New parameters and indicators that allow better assessment to Nanotechnology impact is the objective of development in this project, among other major issues. Something relevant to be considered at this point is the fact that nanotechnology offers the perspective of huge advances that will improve the quality of life and the environment conservation. There are many major applications in this area, however, as in any area that will make intensive use of new materials and chemicals. Another issue of extreme importance is that it can bring some risks to the environment and human health. This project intends to provide parameters or indicators that will allow the Assessment of the Nanotechnology Impacts - Case Study: Application of Nanoparticles and nanocapsules in Agriculture. What should be emphasized is the fact that the main objective here is to develop a new methodology to the Nanotechnology Impact Assessment making use of a general application software, called 'Impactos', that will be adjusted and modified for this study. This methodology will focus on identification and evaluation of the social and environmental impacts associated with the release of nanotechnologies, and furthermore on the adverse effects of the use of nanoparticles and nanocapsules dispersers, fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides. The important point to be highlighted here is that the new proposed methodology will be performed by selecting parameters within the environmental and social dimensions, which will be raised by experts in areas related to nanoscience. Aiming to promote interaction between the actors and the gathering of information relevant to develop the structure of components and impacts indicators referenced and validated, workshops will be organized, i.e. including face to face consultation with experts. The software "Impactos", which aims to assess the impacts of technology and research programs, was developed under projects financed by FAPESP and FINEP. The projects were conducted by the Study Group on the Organization of Research and Innovation, Department of Science and Technology Policy of the Institute of Geosciences (GEOPI / DPCT / UNICAMP). All this proposed formulation will be held in collaboration of the GEOPI.