Abstract
Nanotechnology plays an important role in monitoring, preventing, and
remediating environmental pollution. Nanomaterials are used in the detection and
removal of contaminants such as heavy metals, organic pollutants (aliphatic and
aromatic hydrocarbons), and biological agents such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites.
Nanomaterials act as good adsorbents, catalysts, and sensors due to their large specific
surface areas and high reactivities. Physicochemical properties, such as large surface
area, facilitate easier biodegradation/remediation of environmental contaminants.
Carbon nanomaterials, namely carbon nanotubes, graphene, graphene oxide, and zero-valent iron nanoparticles, have shown great potential for the removal of heavy metals
and organic contaminants from water and soil. Hence, nanoremediation represents an
innovative approach to safe and sustainable remediation of environmental
contamination.