Engineered nanomaterials for wastewater treatment: current and future trends

TLDR: In this article, the authors address recent developments in wastewater treatment using nanotechnology, and the implications associated with applications in developing countries, looking at the use of nanotechnology in groundwater treatment and water purification as a basis to develop treatment systems adaptable for wastewater.

Abstract: The rapidly increasing population, depleting water resources, and climate change resulting in prolonged droughts and floods have rendered drinking water as a competitive resource in many parts of the world. Therefore, any form of water, reuse or recycle will help to mitigate this challenge. Conversely, municipal, industrial, and natural activities produce large quantities of liquid wastes and effluents which pose severe threats to the environment and human health. There are several conventional physical, chemical, and biological technologies for the removal of pollutants from wastewater. However, these conventional technologies focus only on the primary wastewater treatment, especially on the physical separation of solid particles and release high concentration of toxic phosphorus, nitrogen, and other ionic compounds into the environment. Thus, latest technology involving nanotechnology is highly potent in advancing wastewater treatment via nanomaterials and nanosorbents. These nanomaterials have been established in the development of separation membranes, catalytic, and adsorbent materials to enhance the removal of specific components of wastewater and improve productivity. This chapter addresses recent developments in wastewater treatment using nanotechnology, and the implications associated with applications in developing countries, looking at the use of nanotechnology in groundwater treatment and water purification as a basis to develop treatment systems adaptable for wastewater. In addition, future directions of nanomaterials in water treatment applications, their limitations, and legal frameworks were also discussed.