Nanotechnologys Impact on Environment: What to Know

Water quality can be improved with the help of nanotechnology. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), zeolites, nanoparticles of zero-valent iron (ZVI), silver nanoparticles, and other nanomaterials can be used for water remediation

Fremont, CA: The world faces significant environmental challenges, such as improving air, soil, and water quality. The industry is currently focused on detecting pollutants (from chemical spills, fertilizer, and pesticide run-off), improving industrial and mining sites, treating contaminants and preventing further pollution. The use of nanomaterials could be a potential solution to these issues. Nanomaterials can help clean the environment and even provide efficient energy solutions, such as solar cells made of nanomaterials. Furthermore, nanomaterials aid in improving the quality and performance of many consumer products.

Positive Outcomes

Water quality can be improved with the help of nanotechnology. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), zeolites, nanoparticles of zero-valent iron (ZVI), silver nanoparticles, and other nanomaterials can be used for water remediation. Nanomaterials used as photocatalysts include zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium dioxide (TiO2), and tungsten oxide. These photocatalysts are capable of converting organic pollutants into inert materials.

TiO2 is the most preferred material because of its high photostability, high photoconductivity, ease of availability, low cost, and non-toxicity. Antimicrobial properties of silver nanoparticles: Many polymeric nanoparticles are used in wastewater treatment.

Negative Effects

Nanomaterials can have a negative impact as well. Unfortunately, there is currently very little information describing the relative environmental risk of manufactured nanomaterials. Only a few studies have been conducted to determine nanomaterial exposure's direct and indirect effects, and there are no clear guidelines for quantifying the impact.

Green Technology

The use of green technology or green manufacturing is the solution. This green technology is being developed and used to conserve natural resources. This technology aims to produce nanomaterials using fewer raw materials, less energy, and producing less waste. It is well understood that any manufacturing process generates significant trash. Green manufacturing, which uses green chemicals that are less harmful to the environment and energy-efficient operations, reduces this. Microemulsions used in the cleaning industry instead of VOCs are an example of green technology.