An analysis of the methods of using nanotechnology in water and wastewater treatment

Water treatment is any process that improves the quality of water to make it more suitable for a specific purpose. The end use may be drinking, industrial water supply, irrigation, river flow maintenance, water recreation or many other uses, including safe return to the environment. Water treatment removes contaminants and undesirable components or reduces their concentration, so that the water becomes suitable for the intended use. Nanotechnology is a multidisciplinary field that has gained significant momentum in recent years. Nanoparticles are the key players that have promised many benefits through their nano-enabled applications in multiple sectors. This review summarizes the use of nanomaterials such as zero valent iron (nZVI) and carbon nanotubes (CNT) in environmental cleanup like ground water remediation for drinking and reuse. There are, however, concerns regarding the potential risks associated with the use of nanomaterials to the environment and human health. An understanding of the relationship between the properties of nanoparticles and their in vivo effects would provide an effective strategy to tackle the deleterious effects.

Keywords:

Carbon Nanotube , Iron Nanoparticles , Nanoremediation , Toxicology