Benefits and Application of Nanotechnology in Environmental Science: an Overview

Abstract

As a result of world population growth, consumption of energy and materials is increasing, leading to environmental consequences. Some of these consequences include increased production of solid waste, increased air pollution caused by vehicles and industrial plants, contamination of surface and groundwater. Nanotechnology has the potential of improving the environment through direct application of nanomaterials for detecting, preventing, and removing pollutants and indirect application of them by using better industrial design process and production of products compatible with the environment. Nanoparticles show higher reactivity due to their small size and high surface. While this characteristic has various benefits and applications, it may have risks for the safety of employees and the environment, such as stay suspended in the air for a long time, possibility of accumulation in the environment, easy absorption, and damage to various organs of the body. This review has investigated the applications of nanotechnology in waste management, controlling and reducing air pollution, water treatment, and nanomaterials safety.