2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Safer-by-Design Green-Synthesis Nanoparticles in Environmental Engineering: A Systematic Review and Educational Framework for Risk-Informed Innovation

Presented at The "Bigger Picture" In EnvE and Sustainability- ENVEST Division (Tech Session 2/7)

Nanoparticles are increasingly integrated into environmental engineering and sustainable construction systems to enhance mechanical strength, durability, antimicrobial performance, and energy efficiency. However, conventional nanoparticle synthesis routes are often energy-intensive and associated with chemical hazards, raising concerns about occupational exposure, environmental release, and long-term public health impacts. In response, green synthesis methods and safer-by-design (SbD) frameworks have emerged as complementary strategies for reducing risk while maintaining functional performance. This paper presents a systematic review of peer-reviewed research papers published between 2015 and 2025 examining green-synthesized nanoparticles within environmental engineering applications, with emphasis on risk-informed innovation and engineering education. The review synthesizes evidence across four dimensions: synthesis pathways, environmental and health risk profiles, safe-and-sustainable-by-design frameworks, and curriculum integration models aligned with ISO 14001 environmental management principles. Findings indicate that green synthesis significantly reduces solvent toxicity, energy demand, and hazardous by-products compared to conventional methods, while SbD frameworks enable early-stage hazard mitigation through lifecycle thinking. Despite these advances, gaps persist in standardized life-cycle assessment, long-term toxicological data, and formal integration of nanomaterial safety into engineering curricula. To address these gaps, this paper proposes a structured educational framework that integrates SbD, green synthesis, and environmental governance into environmental engineering education, supporting responsible nanotechnology innovation.

Authors

Abiodun Taofeeq Adedoyin http://orcid.org/0009-0000-2639-5264 Morgan State University [biography]

Adedoyin Abiodun is a second-year PhD student at the School of Architecture and Planning, Morgan State University. He hails from Nigeria, had his Bachelor of Technology in Estate Management from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, and his master's degree in Housing Development and Management at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. His research interests include housing quality, sustainable housing, and nanomaterials.
Grace Yemisi Balogun http://orcid.org/https://my-orcid?orcid=0009-0005-7248-5013 Morgan State University [biography]

Grace Yemisi Balogun is a Ph.D. student in Bio-Environmental Sciences at Morgan State University. She received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Plant Biology from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, with specializations in food safety and environmental biology. With a professional background in environmental, health & safety (EHS) consultancy and ISO 14001:2015 auditing, she blends research with impact. Her passion lies in ESG strategy, nanoparticle applications to mitigate environmental challenges, as well as microplastic studies. She continues to explore the intersection of science and policy for a global sustainable future.

Grace's research on the use of nanoceria as a foliar application offers promising strategies to reduce toxic stress and promote sustainable agriculture.
https://orcid.org/my-orcid?orcid=0009-0005-7248-5013
Oluwafemi Samuel Ifesanmi Morgan State University [biography]

Oluwafemi Samuel Ifesanmi is a passionate graduate researcher, and social impact advocate. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science and Resource Management and is currently pursuing his M.Sc. in Advanced Computing at Morgan State University. His background covers software development, data analytics, AI applications, environmental sustainability and intelligent computing, and this fusion is at the heart of his current research: Smart AI-Based Waste Bin Monitoring and Collection Optimization. The project leverages AI and IoT to create efficient, sustainable urban waste management systems.
Dr. Oludare Adegbola Owolabi P.E. Morgan State University [biography]

Dr. Oludare Owolabi, a professional engineer in Maryland, joined the Morgan State University faculty in 2010. He is the director of the Sustainable Infrastructure Development, Smart Innovation and Resilient Engineering Research Lab, Department of Civil Engineering at Morgan State University.
Samuel Sola Akosile Morgan State University [biography]

Samuel Akosile is a Ph.D. student in Sustainable Infrastructure and Resilience Engineering at Morgan State University, within the Department of Civil Engineering. He currently works as a Research Assistant, contributing to innovative studies in the field of civil infrastructure. His primary research area focuses on sustainable design for pavement systems, aiming to develop environmentally responsible, durable, and cost-effective solutions for modern transportation networks. Samuel’s work explores the integration of green materials, lifecycle assessment, and resilient engineering practices in pavement design. Through his research, he seeks to address key challenges in infrastructure sustainability while promoting long-term resilience in the face of climate change and increasing urban demands

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