Engineered Magnetic Nanoparticles as Environmental Remediation Agents

Abstract

Technological advancements during the industrial revolution have caused pollution of the ecosystem, resulting in the accumulation of many harmful substances in the land, water, and air. Remediation of such toxic substances from the environment is critical for improving human health and preserving the well-being of flora and fauna. In this direction, magnetic nanocomposites have become the popular choice of adsorbents for environmental remediation mainly due to their large surface area, ease of separation, and recovery after sorption. This chapter aims to explain how magnetic nanoparticles can be used in environmental remediation by discussing their synthesis, purification, and subsequent recovery/reuse. The chapter also probed the significance of magnetic nanoparticles for improving the remediation efficiency in wastewater treatment units, soil remediation sectors, and gas stream treatment industries.