Nanotechnology for Water Treatment: Is It the Best Solution Now?

Abstract

In conclusion, the role of nanotechnology in water treatment is overestimated; while advantages are not more than theoretical assumptions, while the disadvantages are almost certain. Waste waters stay toxic after treatment by nanomaterials. The problem arises from the use of very simplified-theoretical assumptions and laboratory results produced under controlled experimental conditions. In natural settings, the selectivity of contaminants removal as well as the properties of nanomaterial itself makes water treatment by nanomaterials questionable. During surface water-waste water-treatments, nanomaterials may interact with soil biota, up taken by plants and crops, kill targeted and un-targeted bacteria leading to sever problems to biodiversity. There is clear information deficiency about fate, transport, and bioavailability or bioaccumulation of nanomaterials in the complicated water environments. Long-term studies on the negative feedback of nanomaterials on human and ecological environments are urgently needed.

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