Nanomaterials For Environmental Protection

This book is divided into four main sections thoroughly analyzing the use of nanomaterials for water, air and soil solutions, and emphasizing environmental risks. Providing background on nanomaterials' two-decade study, it discusses the characterization and application of unconventional disinfectants, called antimicrobial nanomaterials, which fall into three categories and, while seemingly harmless, have potential hazards if applied improperly. Special attention is given to the process of remediation, synthetics techniques, and properties of nanomaterials, with examples to which new and trained readers in the field can relate and understand. an interdisciplinary approach, aimed at scientists in physical chemistry, nanotechnology, and environmental sciences includes applications of non-conventional techniques in environmental protection furthers the development of applied nanoscience and nanotechnology suggests new industrial projects and university courses addressing nanotechnology in and for the environment includes applications for water, air and soil protection

Nanomaterials' unique properties offer revolutionary means to optimize a variety of products, including electronics, textiles, paintings and coatings, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. However, these same properties mean that nanoscale materials can behave differently in the human body and the environment than conventional materials.

Nanotechnology is a diverse science that has brought about new applications in fields such as colloidal science, device physics and supra molecular chemistry. Environmental pollution treatment by nanomaterials is an emerging application of nanotechnology. It is gaining importance because of the increased environmental challenges due to the impact of modern industrial activities. Industrial activity involves the production and use of various toxic organic and inorganic chemicals which pollute nearby water streams, indirectly influencing aquatic and human life. Thus, there is a need to protect the environment through the development of new technologies and by enacting awareness drives for environmental sustainability. This volume summarizes cutting-edge research on nanomaterial utilization for environmental challenges. Chapters introduce readers to the concepts of environmental protection, sustainability and monitoring. Readers will also learn about technologies used for keeping the environment safer, including ion exchangers, metallic oxide complexes, nanocomposite materials, porous membranes and nanocatalysts. This volume is intended to be an introductory reference for students and researchers undertaking advanced courses in materials science, environmental science and engineering, giving readers a glimpse into the fascinating world of nanotechnology.

Nanotechnology is often described as an emerging technology - one that not only holds promise for society, but also is capable of revolutionizing our approaches to common problems. Nanotechnology is not a completely new field; however, it is only recently that discoveries in this field have advanced so far as to warrant examination of their impact upon the world around us. Nanotechnology has direct beneficial applications for medicine and the environment, but like all technologies it may have unintended effects that can adversely impact the environment, both within the human body and within the natural ecosystem. How does the science move forward in a way that best protects the public and gets health and safety right the first time? Implications of Nanotechnology for Environmental Health Research identifies the areas in which additional research is needed and the processes by which changes can occur.

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.

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.

Environmental nanotechnology is considered to play a key role in shaping of current environmental engineering and science practices. This book titled "Environmental Nanotechnology" covers the advanced materials, devices, and system development for use in the environmental protection. The development of nano-based materials, understanding their chemistry and characterization using techniques like X- Ray diffraction, FT-IR, EDX, scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), high resolution-TEM, etc is included. It also highlights the scope for their applications in environmental protection, environmental remediation and environmental biosensors for detection, monitoring and assessment. Key Features: Covers basic to advanced Nano-based materials, their synthesis, development, characterization and applications and all the updated information related to environmental nanotechnology. Discusses implications of nanomaterials on the environment and applications of nanotechnology to protect the environment. Illustrates specific topics such as ethics of nanotechnology development, Nano-biotechnology, and application in wastewater technology. Includes applications of nanomaterials for combating global climate change and carbon sequestration. Gives examples of field applications of environmental nanotechnology. This book covers advanced materials, devices, and system developments for use in environmental protection. The development of nano-based materials, understanding its chemistry and characterization by the use of X-Ray diffraction, FT-IR, EDX, scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and high resolution-TEM give the scope for their application in environmental protection, environmental remediation, and environmental biosensors for detection, monitoring, and assessment. The green chemistry based on nano-based materials prevents pollution and controls environmental contaminants.

The nanotechnology sector, which generated about $225 billion in product sales in 2009, is predicted to expand rapidly over the next decade with the development of new technologies that have new capabilities. The increasing production and use of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) may lead to greater exposures of workers, consumers, and the environment, and the unique scale-specific and novel properties of the materials raise questions about their potential effects on human health and the environment. Over the last decade, government agencies, academic institutions, industry, and others have conducted many assessments of the environmental, health, and safety (EHS) aspects of nanotechnology. The results of those efforts have helped to direct research on the EHS aspects of ENMs. However, despite the progress in assessing research needs and despite the research that has been funded and conducted, developers, regulators, and consumers of nanotechnology-enabled products remain uncertain about the types and quantities of nanomaterials in commerce or in development, their possible applications, and their associated risks. A Research Strategy for Environmental, Health, and Safety Aspects of Engineered Nanomaterials presents a strategic approach for developing the science and research infrastructure needed to address uncertainties regarding the potential EHS risks of ENMs. The report summarizes the current state of the science and high-priority data gaps on the potential EHS risks posed by ENMs and describes the fundamental tools and approaches needed to pursue an EHS risk research strategy. The report also presents a proposed research agenda, short-term and long-term research priorities, and estimates of needed resources and concludes by focusing on implementation of the research strategy and evaluation of its progress, elements that the committee considered integral to its charge.