Review on Application of Nanomaterials in Soil Remediation

Abstract

As to the hot research aspect of soil remediation, this review elaborated the progress in the application of nanomaterials in heavy metals and organics-contaminated soil remediation, and discussed the ecological safety of nanomaterials usage as well. The mechanism of nanomaterial-based soil remediation mainly includes adsorption, complexation, transformation, etc. The activities of nanomaterials could be enhanced by modification methods. Iron based nanoparticles such as zero-valent iron (nZVI), iron oxide and iron sulphide showed promising application prospect but also possible toxicity to soil ecosystem. However, biologically synthesized nanomaterials are more effective and safer, which has been demonstrated in many studies. Therefore, bio-nanomaterials which can not only meet the requirements of soil recovery, but also contribute to soil fertility is urgently needed.