Engineered Nanomaterials as Emerging Water Pollutants

Abstract

Nanotechnology has many advantages, and its applications are spread to every field, from engineering to medicine and space to agriculture. Owing to the immense advantages of nano-size particles, nano-based materials are widely applied in wastewater treatment. These nanomaterials are developed and utilized in different sizes, shapes, and chemical compositions. These nanomaterials are characterized by their unique physical, chemical and biological properties. Besides the immense benefits of nanomaterials, they also have few environmental implications. This chapter presents the pros and cons of nanomaterials and their implications on the environment. Further, the effect of various nanomaterials on the aquatic environment, including the behaviour and toxicity on the aquatic ecosystem, is discussed. Finally, future directions to minimize the toxic effect of nanomaterials on the aquatic ecosystem and the need for improvement in the nanomaterials are presented.