Many nanomaterials can be used as metal oxides (Ti, Ag, Zn, Cu, Mg, Ca, Ce, Yt, Al). Metal oxide nanoparticles have strong antimicrobial properties. The oxides that play a large role as antimicrobial agents can be divided into two major groups based on their mechanism of action i.e., those that involve oxidation and those that inhibit the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). Previous studies have shown that, toxic metals like silver and titanium, and their metals oxides, employ the ROS-mediated mechanism that leads to oxidative stress-related cytotoxicity, cancer, and heart diseases. Oxidative stress further leads to increased ROS production and also delays the cellular processes involved in wound healing. Other metal oxide nanoparticles, like Y 2 O 3 , CeO 2 and Al 2 O 3 act as free radical scavengers. Out of these, aluminium oxide nanoparticles are more effective antimicrobial agents, than the other metal oxide nanoparticles. A combination of Al 2 O 3 and other antimicrobial agents such as TiO 2 may act as ideal antimicrobial agents, along with possessing free radical scavenging activity. This critical review aims to study the antimicrobial properties of different metal oxide nanoparticles and the mechanism of action involved, besides comparing their efficacy to eliminate bacteria.

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The rapid growth of the human population and industrialization in the world has indirectly increased environmental problems such as water, air and land pollution. Amongst all, heavy metals can be considered as the most problematic pollutants. Numerous efforts have been attempted to minimize the impact of heavy metals. This chapter discusses the recent developments and technical applicability of different treatment methods for heavy metal removal. The adsorption process using various lowcost materials as the potential alternative for heavy metal removal is being highlighted and summarized.

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