Current wastewater treatment technologies are efficient but costly and time consuming. Nanotechnology methods (chemical co-precipitation, ion exchange, reverse osmosis, electrochemical treatment and adsorption) have the advantage of eliminating and recycling contaminants, reducing working time and expense.
Are nanotechnologies the future of water treatment?
So far overall the nanotechnologies have not offered any water treatment possibilities that are significantly better than that is possible with existing methods. Meanwhile most are inherently expensive and energy demanding compared to the methods that achieve the same by other means.
Can nanotechnology make polluted water safe to drink?
Nanocatalysts and magnetic nanoparticles are other examples of how nanotechnology could make heavily polluted water fit for drinking, sanitation and irrigation. Nanocatalysts owe their better catalytic properties to their nanosize or to being modified at the nanoscale.
What are the ethics of using nanotechnology for clean water?
Yet there are signs that the ethics of using nanotechnology for clean water are being discussed. Some researchers have called for more research on the potential health and environmental risks of using nanotechnology for water treatment. [6] For example, there are concerns that the enhanced reactivity of nanoparticles makes them more toxic.
How can nanotechnology improve water quality?
A prime water resource application of nanotechnology is to further improve membrane technology. Nanofiltration membranes are already in use removing dissolved salts and micro pollutants as well softening water and treating wastewater.
How does nanotechnology help us solve problem with access to clean water?
Another viable method of water purification currently in development that makes use of nanotechnology includes utilizing magnetically active nanoparticles to extract chemicals from water. The process enables the removal of toxins from drinking-water contaminants attracting nanoparticles that consist of magnetic phases.
Is nanotechnology useful now or is it a thing of the future?
Nanotechnology can change dental medicine, healthcare, and human life profoundly than several developments of the past. However, they even have the potential to evoke important advantages, like improved health, higher use of natural resources, and reduced environmental pollution.
Why is nanotechnology better than other technologies?
Nanotechnology offers the potential for new and faster kinds of computers, more efficient power sources and life-saving medical treatments. Potential disadvantages include economic disruption and possible threats to security, privacy, health and the environment.
How can nanotechnology be used in water?
In terms of water filtration, the carbon nanotube structure allows water molecules to pass through the tube's pores while attracting microbes to the carbon surface. Manufacturers can form CNTs into sheets or spirals that pull water through the honeycomb-like structures to remove pollutants.
How is the global water crisis solved?
Good water governance is key to achieving water security, fairly allocating water resources, and avoiding disputes. Water is a growing concern in many parts of the world. Countries can improve their water resilience through transboundary water cooperation over shared waters.
What are the major advantages of nanotechnology in future?
Scientists and engineers believe nanotechnology can be used to benefit human health now and in the future through applications such as better filters for improving water purification, more effective methods of delivering drugs in medicine and new ways of repairing damaged tissues and organs, according to a report ...
Is nanotechnology the future solutions to environmental and health problems?
Nanotechnology will make possible great advances in our ability to retroactively solve environmental issues. Research varies in the approaches taken to reach the endpoint of treatment or remediation, said Karn.
Will nanotechnology help improve our life in some ways in the next twenty years?
In the next 20 years, nano-technology will touch the life of nearly every person on the planet. The potential benefits are mind boggling and brain enhancing. But like many of the great advancements in earth's history, it is not without risk. Here are some of the risks posed to society by nanotechnology.
What are the advantages of nano technology?
Nanotechnology: Advantages and Disadvantages Energy-efficient products such as fuel and solar cells. Improvements in manufacturing that allow for durable, light-weight, efficient production tools. Improved electronic devices, including transistors, LED and plasma displays and quantum computers.
What are the benefits of nano technology?
Numerous prospective benefits for health and the environment are offered by nanotechnology, with engineered nanomaterials being developed for renewable energy capture and battery storage, water purification, food packaging, environmental sensors and remediation, as well as greener engineering and manufacturing ...
Is nanotechnology beneficial or harmful to the modern society?
Nanotechnology has direct beneficial applications for medicine and the environment, but like all technologies it may have unintended effects that can adversely impact the environment, both within the human body and within the natural ecosystem.
Why is nanotechnology important?
Nanotechnology is a useful tool in providing solutions to issues related to water treatment, especially the technical challenges related to the removal of contaminants such as pathogens, toxic heavy metals, pesticides, and other persistent and toxic chemicals. It is a ground-breaking technology having the potential to overcome challenges faced in the current water treatment crisis. There is an immediate requirement for efficient and innovative water treatment technologies to ensure safe drinking water, elimination of micropollutants, and intensification of industrial production processes through utilization of flexible water treatment systems. Nanomaterials are efficient, low-cost, and eco-friendly alternatives to existing treatment materials because they process superior efficiency and distinctive characteristics, such as a high reaction rate and surface-to-mass ratio. This chapter extensively covers the use of green methods of water treatment since ancient times to the present. Some of the metals in their nanoforms are more efficient and are used more than others. The role of some of the specific nanometals and their roles as catalysts and membranes has been elaborated upon and presented in detail.
What are the most widely studied metal nanoparticles?
The most widely studied metal nanoparticles are nano silver, nano gold, and nano iron.
What are metal nanoparticles?
Metal nanoparticles are defined as nanosized metals with dimensions ranging from 1 to 100 nm. The occurrence of metallic nanoparticles in solution was first detected by Michael Faraday in 1857, and a quantitative elucidation of their color was given by Gustav Mie in 1908. Metal nanoparticles exhibit a large surface area and thus can adsorb small organic molecules on their surface. The adsorption of these molecules on the solid matrix result in several environmental as well as bioanalytical applications [28]. Due to their exceptional properties, such as enhanced catalytic properties, surface adsorption characteristics, and significantly higher reactivity, metal nanoparticles have turned out to be the substance of dynamic research and development throughout the world in recent times. Several scientific studies reveal that nanomaterials can potentially eliminate a range of contaminants from water and therefore can be successfully utilized in the treatment of wastewater. The most widely studied metal nanoparticles are nano silver, nano gold, and nano iron. Nano silver has well-established antibacterial effects against an extensive range of potentially harmful pathogens such as viruses [29], bacteria [30], and fungi [31]. Gold NPs have fascinating prospects as potential agents to cope with the problem of contaminated water; recently performed scientific studies on various fronts are impelling the idea of utilization of gold-based nanoparticles as the basis for real-world nanotechnology-based water treatment options [32]. ZVI nanoparticles are the most frequently used nanoparticles for the sequestration of heavy metals due to their high reactivity toward them [33].
What are the elements in a magnetic nanoparticle?
Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) is a class of nanoparticles that ordinarily constitute around 70 elements like iron, nickel, and cobalt. These elements can be controlled using an external magnetic field and can be engaged for circumstantial purposes on the basis of their biocompatibility, magnetic susceptibility, synthesis mode, and characterization methods. MNPs have always turned out to be useful not only in environmental changes but also in the biomedical field [120], [121] involving cancer therapy [122], Alzheimer’s treatment [123], [124], antimicrobial activities [125], targeted drug delivery [126], [127], [128], [129], and diagnostic applications [130], [131], [132]. Drug-loaded MNPs, unlike traditional methods, offer easy liberation as they can be restrained using an external magnetic field. In the domain of industrialization, MNPs endow miscellaneous applications: Zinc oxide nanoparticles can be dispersed into industrial coatings to protect wooden or plastic materials and textiles from UV exposure; silver nanoparticles are tailored in fabrics to eliminate bacteria to make clothes odor-resistant; magnetic iron oxides are usually used as synthetic pigments in ceramics, paints, and porcelain; and a catalyst using platinum‑cobalt nanoparticles is being formulated for fuel cells that produce more than 10 times the catalytic activity compared to pure platinum. Magnetic nanoparticles exhibiting tremendous stability are of great purpose in catalysis [133], [134], [135] and can be retrievable to assist an effective separation of catalysts, nuclear waste, biochemical products, and cells [136]. MNPs are acknowledged as a versatile tool for the remediation of various types of contaminants in water [137], soil [138], and air [139].
What are nanocatalysts used for?
Nanocatalysts (such as zero-valent metals, semiconductor materials, and bimetallic nanoparticles) are being extensively used in water treatment due to their abnormally high surface-to-mass ratio and shape-dependent properties, as well as their ability to increase surface catalytic activity [102]. They improve the degradation of environmental contaminants such as pesticides [103], halogenated herbicides [104], azo dyes [105], polychlorinated biphenyls [106], and nitro aromatics [107]. The catalytic activities have been proven on a large scale for numerous contaminants. Studies revealed that silver nanocatalyst N-doped TiO 2 and ZrO 2 NPs are highly efficient toward degradation of microbial contaminants present in water [108]. NanoTiO 2 exhibit exceptional photocatalytic activity, hydrophilicity, and lower human toxicity, cost-effectiveness, and higher chemical stability ( Table 3 ).
Why are dendrimers used in water treatment?
Dendrimers, due to their large size, attach contaminants and retain them in their branched structures, thereby preventing them from passing through membranes [171]. They can also be used for environmental purposes such as in eco-friendly industrial processes or for water treatment [170], [172].
What is water in Ayurveda?
“Water” has been comprehensively discussed in numerous chapters in ancient literature in Ayurveda and Vedas. It is considered to be the “Jeeva” (life) in Ayurvedic concepts. It is described as Madhura, Sheetala, and Ruchikaraka meaning sweet, cold, and flavorsome in Sanskrit. In ancient times, water purification was mainly based on physical techniques such as sand and gravel filtration, boiling, and straining [17]. Even the Egyptians developed a device to clean water for drinking purposes [12] ( Fig. 1) ( Table 1 ).
Who invented nanotechnology?
Renowned physicist Richard Feynman introduced the concept at an American Physical Society meeting in 1959. While the term “nanotech” wasn’t coined until the 1980s, Feynman described the same idea of controlling matter down to a molecular level.
What is the most common type of nanotechnology used for filtration?
Another popular type of nanotech used for filtration is nanocellulose. This material is usually derived from the disintegration of naturally occurring polymers or bacterial action. It is similar to CNTs in form and function but differs in its manufacturing process. The cellulose nanocrystals and nanofibrils (CNC and CNF) are the rod-like nanoparticles that selectively adsorb contaminants from water streams. The shape of the fibrils and the less rigid structure of nanocellulose lends itself to being an excellent filter that could work in small and large water filtration systems.
What is the name of the nanotube used for water purification?
One of the most-discussed forms of water purification nanotech is the carbon nanotube (CNT). Japanese scientist, Iijima Sumio, discovered the carbon nanotube in 1991 while investigating the material extracted from solids that grew on the tips of carbon electrodes. In terms of water filtration, the carbon nanotube structure allows water molecules ...
How does carbon nanotube work?
In terms of water filtration, the carbon nanotube structure allows water molecules to pass through the tube’s pores while attracting microbes to the carbon surface. Manufacturers can form CNTs into sheets or spirals that pull water through the honeycomb-like structures to remove pollutants. This formation prevents biological ...
How do gold nanorods work?
The researchers discovered that if they evenly distributed these particles, the nanorods could be effective. They then applied a silica coating to part of the nanorods that kept them from clumping, which resulted in even dispersal.
What is the purpose of nanotubes?
The conductivity of the nanotube allows for electricity to pass through its structure, which can destroy harmful microorganisms on the surface of the CNT. This strategy was later expanded on by Nagoya University researchers as they used CNTs to remove toxic heavy metals from water.
What was the invention of CNTs?
Using CNTs, it filtered water to a drinkable level in minimal time. This invention was revolutionary as it made clean water accessible to virtually anyone.
Why is nanotechnology important in water quality?
In order to improve the water quality, nanotechnology has been studied as an alternative to better remove contaminants, such as , hea vy metals, oily water separation and antimicrobial activity . Besides, with the increase in industrialization along with.
What are the nanosized metal oxides?
Nanosized metal oxides are important adsorbents which includes iron oxides, manganese oxides, aluminum oxides, and titanium oxides. The size and shape of these materials are important factors to the. adsorption performance (HUA et al., 2012). The use of iron oxides nanomaterials in water treatment can.
Is conventional water treatment efficient?
Conventional water treatments are no longer efficient to r emove many of the pollutants found in. water in order to achieve water quality standards. They often r ely on centralized systems, which the. distribution and discharge processes are not sustainable for nowadays’ needs ( QU et al., 2013).
What are the most promising trends for four NTs in water treatment?
In this section the most promising trends for four NTs in water treatment are highlighted: adsorption, disinfec-tion, photocatalysis and membranes. For all four, trans-lating promising results in the lab to the field remains the biggest challenge [10],[38].
What are the opportunities for NT in water?
One of the opportunities of NT in water applications is that it can provide the base for a new industry in de-veloping countries, once applications developed in the laboratory are translated into commercial products [15],[16]. However, at the moment it is challenging for researchers and entrepreneurs from developing coun-tries to realize this commercialization path [16],[66]. First, the access to financial resources is limited, as funding for NT water applications is not a priority for governments [65],[69]. When small local start-ups do get the chance to emerge and enter the global market, they are often outcompeted by large multinationals [5],[25]. Second, researchers involved in NT in water applications often lack the skills to commercialize these applications. Intellectual property is already strong-ly defined in Western countries, but a ‘patenting cul-ture’ is not self-evident in most developing countries [16],[25],[70]. Consequently, developing countries can-not gain a substantial share in the global market and young, talented researchers move to developed coun-tries for greater economic opportunities [25],[70],[71]. This “brain-drain” further reinforces the weak position of developing countries in NT development and com-mercialization, wherefore opportunities to reap the so-cio-economic benefits from NT are missed [25],[71].
How can nanotechnology help the grid?
Semiconductor devices, transistors, and sensors will be greatly beneficial from nanotechnology especially in size and speed. Nanotech sensors may be utilized in the Smart Grid that enables to detect various issues ahead of time. For an instance, degradation of underground cables is always happening in the power sector and with nanosensors, the rate of degradation be measured or can detect damage cables and plan for replacement. Besides, nanotech sensors can replace chemical sensors which are normally used for transformers, thereby allowing cost saving. In near future, nanotechnology would become indispensable part of the Smart Grid when fully integrated, which would significantly increase energy efficiency and reduce transmission loses. This is in fact, an efficient way of managing and restraining the growth of energy consumption, thereby reduce energy costs for consumers and allowing to improve competitiveness in business. Moreover, this is also one of the easiest and most efficient ways to combat climate change.
What is nano coating?
As the name indicates, nanocoatings are nanoscale (i.e., few tens to a few hundreds of nanometers) thin-films that are usually applied on the materials’ surfaces in order to enhance material’s functionalities such as corro sion shield , water and ice shield, friction reduction, antifouling and antibacterial properties, self-cleaning, heat and radiation resistance, and thermal management. Due to these properties, manufacturers are inclined to incorporate multifunctional coatings in their products. So, it has wide range of applications. Some of them which are worth mentioning are aerospace, defense, medical, marine, and oil industries, etc. Nanocoatings can also be used for reducing emissions and maximizing clean energy production ( Luther, 2008 ).
What is a nano catalyst?
A product called Enercat, a third-generation nanocatalyst developed by Energenics, is a patented formula of nanoparticulate Cerium Oxide to promote complete fuel combustion, which in turn helps reduce consumption of fuel. The company has recently demonstrated 8%–10% fuel savings on a various fleet of diesel vehicles in Italy ( Nanowerk, 2009 ).
What are nanofibers made of?
Commonly used nanofibers are synthesized from polymers like polyurethane, polylactic acid, and polyethylene oxide ( Sharma and Sharma, 2013 ). Being a nanoparticle, these nanofibers have high surface area, porosity, and usually form a mats-like nanofiber array with complex pore structures. Another advantage of nanofibers is their ability to be custom-made to points of interest, so, this property offers to obtain a desired level of membrane thickness and an interconnected open pore structure ( Wegmann et al., 2008 ). Besides, physical and chemical parameters of electrospun nanofibers can be easily manipulated in order to suit for various applications. This class of membranes expels micron-sized particles from water with no significant fouling ( Ramakrishna et al., 2006 ). So, nanofibers can be used in pretreatment preceding the ultra filtration or reverse osmosis process. Electrospinning is a simple, cheap, and efficient approach to fabricate nanofibers. Electrospinning is a widely used technology in air treatment; sadly, it is not so common in wastewater treatment ( Ramakrishna et al., 2006 ).
What are nanocomposite membranes made of?
Nanocomposite membranes which can be made up from mixed matrices and surface-functionalized membrane, are favorable filtration units. Mixed matrix membranes use usually nanofillers, and mostly they are inorganic in nature. Nanocomposite membranes have blends of a polymeric or inorganic oxide matrix, and they have considerably large surface area ( Gehrke et al., 2015 ). Some of the nanomaterials which are used as nanocomposite membranes are hydrophilic metal oxide nanoparticles like Al 2 O 3, TiO 2, and zeolite, antimicrobial nanoparticles like nano-Ag and CNTs, and (photo) catalytic nanomaterials like bimetallic nanoparticles, TiO 2 ( Qu et al., 2013 ). Fouling can be reduced with addition of hydrophilic metal oxide nanoparticles into the membrane. Addition of metal oxide nanoparticles like alumina, silica, zeolite, TiO 2, etc. to polymeric membranes improves hydrophilicity of membrane surface, water porousity, or fouling resistance ( Bae and Tak, 2005, Bottino et al., 2001, Maximous et al., 2010, Pendergast and Hoek, 2011, Pendergast et al., 2010 ). Moreover, these added inorganic nanoparticles improve the mechanical and thermal stability of polymeric membranes on membrane permeability by reducing the negative impact of compaction and heat.
What is nanofiltration? What are some applications?
This useful property is principally applied for the reduction of hardness, color, odor, and heavy metallic ions from groundwater. They are typically implemented for the reduction of hardness, color, odor, and heavy metal ions from groundwater. Another noble application of nanofiltration membrane is the conversion of sea water into consumable water (desalination). However, this application is very cost-intensive considering comparable desalination technologies and further research is required.
What are nanometals used for?
Nanometals and nanometal oxides can be effectively applied to eliminate heavy metals and radionuclides. They serve as an alternative to activated carbon and also an effective adsorbents. Apart from having a high specific surface area, another advantage of nanometals and nanometal oxides is that they have a brief intraparticle diffusion distance which can be compressed without any major reduction of surface area. Some nanometal oxides are superparamagnetic such as nanomaghemite and nanomagnetite, and they can facilitate separation and recovery via a low gradient magnetic field. Due to these properties, they may be utilized for the purpose of adsorptive media filters and slurry reactors ( Qu et al., 2013 ). Similarly, a robust abrasion-resistant adsorbent such as nanoiron hydroxide [α-FeO (OH)] which has an enormous specific surface area, enables adsorption of arsenic from waste and drinking water ( Aredes et al., 2012 ). Heavy metals such as arsenic can be efficiently removed with the help of a hybrid ion exchange medium consisting of iron oxide nanoparticles and polymers and it requires minimal back wash. In general, nanometals and nanometal oxides are made available as porous capsules or as powders for industrial applications.
How does nanotechnology affect the environment?
Besides its use in water treatment, nanotechnology mayhave effects on human health and the environment. With more than 1100 nanotechnology products already. available to consumers worldwide, nanoparticles may eventually interact with humans and the environment at different stages of the products’ life cycles.
What are the drawbacks of nanotechnology?
According to my knowledge and observation, nanotechnology in wastewater treatment possess following drawbacks: 1. Increase of agglomeration rate of nano sized catalysts or adsorbents, due to which blockage of reaction or adsorption sites occur reducing the overall efficiency of the process. 2.
How can nanomaterials be modified?
The applicable nanomaterial can be modified with (creating) a strong magnetic property by doping with magnetic particles for afterward recovery through an external magnetic source . If powdered nanoparticles are used, then they can be separated through centrifugation.
What are the two main problems related to the fine powder form most materials have?
Popular Answers (1) To me the two main problem is related to the fine powder form most materials have. A material might have a very high activity to sorbe or degrade pollutants but to achieve a reasonable treatment time excess of the material powder needs to be added to the water flow being treated.
Is nanotechnology used in water treatment?
Extreme care needs to be taken with the use of nanotechnology in water treatment. The catalytic activity of a nanoparticle can be advantageous when used for the degradation of pollutants, but can induce a toxic response. when taken up by a cell.
Is nanoparticles harmful to the environment?
There are concerns that the same properties (size, shape, reactivity,conductivity) that make nanoparticles so useful to mankind can also make them potentially harmful to the environment and toxic to humans, especially if they enter and build up in drinking water supplies and the food chain.