An Overview of the Water Remediation Potential of Nanomaterials and Their Ecotoxicological Impacts

Abstract

Nanomaterials, i.e., those materials which have at least one dimension in the 1–100 nm size range, have produced a new generation of technologies for water purification. This includes nanosized adsorbents, nanomembranes, photocatalysts, etc. On the other hand, their uncontrolled release can potentially endanger biota in various environmental domains such as soil and water systems. In this review, we point out the opportunities created by the use of nanomaterials for water remediation and also the adverse effects of such small potential pollutants on the environment. While there is still a large need to further identify the potential hazards of nanomaterials through extensive lab or even field studies, an overview on the current knowledge about the pros and cons of such systems should be helpful for their better implementation.

A hierarchical Ca/TiO2/NH2-MIL-125 nanocomposite photocatalyst for solar visible light induced photodegradation of organic dye pollutants in water

“…In recent decades, with the rapid development of industrial activities and with population growth, the discharge of highly toxic substances in water resources has dramatically increased. 1,2 The presence of organic matter, including dyes, in water streams, is undesirable even in small amounts and can prevent the penetration of light and oxygen into water and thereby decline the activity of photosynthetic and aquatic organisms. 3 Sewage from the textile industry contains a signicant quantity of unstable dyes and mineral salts.…”

Chitosan-Based Nanocomposite Polymeric Membranes for Water Purification—A Review

“…In recent years, 1D nanostructures have gained great interest because of their unique properties and interesting applications. They pose promising features for using them, particularly in the design of porous nanostructures with beneficial use for catalysis, bioengineering, environmental protection, sensors, and also photovoltaic devices because of their high surface area [ 197 , 198 ]. The next section of the manuscript will provide some examples of such nanomaterials.…”

Biomedical Applications of Antiviral Nanohybrid Materials Relating to the COVID-19 Pandemic and Other Viral Crises

“…Despite several advantages of the photocatalysis process for waste management including low energy consumption, ecofriendliness with insignificant chemical input, production of no harmful byproducts (in general least amount of secondary waste is produced), mild operational conditions (temperature and pressure), and versatility in terms of operating medium (solid, liquid, and gas), the applicability of the process is limited due to charge separation, interfacial charge transfer and charge carrier recombination [ 10 , 49 , 50 , 51 ]. One promising solution for such challenges and also extending applicability of the nanophotocatalysts is their hybridization with other supplementary, supportive components.…”