Advances In Nanotechnology And The Environment

Nanoparticles and nano-sized materials created by nanotechnology (NT) have been considered unique and sole solutions to overcome the limitations of other technologies and widen their applications. Although these materials have been widely used in environmental technology (ET), most environmental applications of nanoparticles were limited to the fabrication of nano-sensors for the detection of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and as nano-sized catalysts for air purification systems. As a result, the use of nanoparticles for the direct removal of pollutants from contaminated soil and wastewater has seldom been reported. However, environmental processes for soil remediation, wastewater treatment, and air purification strongly need innovative new materials to highly improve their performance and efficiency. So, demands for materials created by NT in ET are stronger than ever. Advances in Nanotechnology and the Environment presents the possible applications of nano-sized materials in all environmental processes, providing the most reliable guideline for the selection of nanomaterials to improve the efficiency of environmental processes. It focuses on the design of specific nanomaterials for environmental processes and pollutants. It presents the impact and influence of nanomaterials on the environment and discusses how to avoid causing secondary contamination by the use of nanomaterials. The book provides proper information about nanomaterials for potential users who will use and apply nanomaterials in ET.

Showcasing a selection of new research on nanotechnological applications for environmental protection along with new advanced technologies in nanochemistry, this volume presents an interdisciplinary approach that brings together materials science, chemistry, and nanotechnology. Part I of the volume looks at environmental topics that include an exploration of the challenges of the global water crisis and new technology in nanofiltration and water purification. It provides an informative overview of green nanotechnology, green nanomaterials, and green chemistry. Some of the advanced technologies discussed in Part II include the application of quantum dots, a nanochemical approach to using ICT technology, and new research on polymer nanocomposites as a smart material along with its synthesis, preparation, and properties. Other important topics are included as well.

Should you adopt nanotechnology? If you have already adopted it, what do you need to know? What are the risks? Nanomaterials and nanotechnologies are revolutionizing the ways we treat disease, produce energy, manufacture products, and attend to our daily wants and needs. To continue to capture the promise of these transformative products, however, we need to ask critical questions about the broader impacts of nanotechnology on society and the environment. Exploring these questions, the second edition of Nanotechnology: Health and Environmental Risks gives you the latest tools to understand the risks of nanotechnology and make better decisions about using it. Examining the state of the science, the book discusses what is known, and what still needs to be understood, about nanotechnology risk. It looks at the uses of nanotechnology for energy, industry, medicine, technology, and consumer applications and explains how to determine whether there is risk—even when there is little reliable evidence—and how to manage it. Contributors cover a wide range of topics, including: Current concerns, among them perceived risks and the challenges of evaluating emerging technology A historical perspective on product safety and chemicals policy The importance of being proactive about identifying and managing health and environmental risks during product development How the concepts of sustainability and life cycle assessment can guide nanotechnology product development Methods for evaluating nanotechnology risks, including screening approaches and research How to manage risk when working with nanoscale materials at the research stage and in occupational environments What international organizations are doing to address risk issues How risk assessment can inform environmental decision making Written in easy-to-understand language, without sacrificing complexity or scientific accuracy, this book offers a wide-angle view of nanotechnology and risk. Supplying cutting-edge approaches and insight, it explains what types of risks could exist and what you can do to address them. What’s New in This Edition Updates throughout, reflecting advances in the field, new literature, and policy developments A new chapter on nanotechnology risk communication, including insights into risk perceptions and the mental models people use to evaluate technological risks An emphasis on developing nanotechnology products that are sustainable in the long term Advances in the understanding of nanomaterials toxicity Cutting-edge research on occupational exposure to nanoparticles Changes in the international landscape of organizations working on the environmental, health, and safety aspects of nanotechnologies

Nanomaterials have been used for years in industries such as consumer products, textile production, and biomedicine, yet the literature outlining their use in environmental causes is limited. The safety, toxicity, transportation, and removal of this technology must be addressed as nanotechnology and nanomaterial use is expected to grow. Applying Nanotechnology for Environmental Sustainability addresses the applications of nanomaterials in the field of environmental conservation and sustainability, and analyses the potential risks associated with their use. It elucidates the scientific concepts and emerging technologies in nanoscience and nanotoxicity by offering a wide range of innovative topics and reviews regarding its use. This publication is essential for environmental engineers, researchers, consultants, students, regulators, and professionals in the field of nanotechnology.

Despite the increase in funding for research and the rising numbers of peer-reviewed publications over the past decade that address the environmental, health, and safety aspects of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs), uncertainty about the implications of potential exposures of consumers, workers, and ecosystems to these materials persists. Consumers and workers want to know which of these materials they are exposed to and whether the materials can harm them. Industry is concerned about being able to predict with sufficient certainty whether products that it makes and markets will pose any environmental, health or safety issues and what measures should be taken regarding manufacturing practices and worldwide distribution to minimize any potential risk. However, there remains a disconnect between the research that is being carried out and its relevance to and use by decision-makers and regulators to make informed public health and environmental policy and regulatory decisions. Research Progress on Environmental, Health, and Safety Aspects of Nanomaterials evaluates research progress and updates research priorities and resource estimates on the basis of results of studies and emerging trends in the nanotechnology industry. This report follows up the 2012 report A Research Strategy for Environmental, Health, and Safety Aspects of Engineered Nanomaterials, which presented a strategic approach for developing the science and research infrastructure needed to address uncertainties regarding the potential environmental, health, and safety risks posed by ENMs. This new report looks at the state of nanotechnology research, examines market and regulatory conditions and their affect on research priorities, and considers the criteria for evaluating research progress on the environmental, health, and safety aspects of nanotechnology.

"This book provides detailed knowledge on different types of pollutants and their hazardous effects on the environment, humans, animals, and plants. It also describes various modern nano-remediation approaches utilizing different nanomaterials for treatment/management of different wastes, such as nanomaterial-mediated degradation of pharmaceutical and personal care products, nanomaterial-mediated wastewater treatment, nano-biotechnology in solid waste management, nanotechnology in biohydrogen and biodiesel production, and nano-biotechnology in e-waste management. This is an urgent matter for the safety of the environment and for human and animal health"--

Nanotechnology for Environmental Remediation Comprehensive resource on using nanomaterials to alleviate environmental pollution Contaminated land, soil and water pose a threat to the environment and health. These sites require immediate action in terms of assessing pollution and new remediation strategies. Nanotechnology for Environmental Remediation helps readers understand the potential of nanotechnology in resolving the growing problem of environmental contamination. The specific aim of this book is to provide comprehensive information relating to the progress in the development of functional nanomaterials and nanocomposites which are used for the environmental remediation of a variety of contaminants. The work deals with the different aspects of nanotechnology in water, air and soil contamination and presents the recent advances with a focus on remediation. Core topics discussed in the work include: Nanotechnology that can be used to engineer and tailor particles for specific environmental remediation applications A big-picture conceptual understanding of environmental remediation methods for researchers, environmentalists and professionals involved in assessing and developing new nano-based strategies A detailed approach towards the different remediation procedures by various nanomaterials such as metal nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, and dendrimers The societal impact that nanotechnology has on the environment Chemists and biotechnologists can use Nanotechnology for Environmental Remediation as a comprehensive reference work for thoroughly understanding this new type of technology and why it is so important when considering environmental remediation efforts. Due to the practical application of nanotechnologies, environmental organizations and agencies can also both utilize the work to explore new and more effective ways of doing things, both now and into the future as nanotechnology becomes more common.