Remediation of Environmental Contaminants using Nanoparticles

Abstract

Nanotechnology plays an important role in monitoring, preventing, and remediating environmental pollution. Nanomaterials are used in the detection and removal of contaminants such as heavy metals, organic pollutants (aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons), and biological agents such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Nanomaterials act as good adsorbents, catalysts, and sensors due to their large specific surface areas and high reactivities. Physicochemical properties, such as large surface area, facilitate easier biodegradation/remediation of environmental contaminants. Carbon nanomaterials, namely carbon nanotubes, graphene, graphene oxide, and zero-valent iron nanoparticles, have shown great potential for the removal of heavy metals and organic contaminants from water and soil. Hence, nanoremediation represents an innovative approach to safe and sustainable remediation of environmental contamination.