2 - Biodegradation of materials in presence of nanoparticles

Abstract

Environmental pollution has become a huge concern and threat in the last decades. This fact is due to hazardous effects of the different pollutants on the environment and human. In this regard, removal and treatment of pollutants from the environment is vital. Between different treatment approaches, biodegradation process is a versatile method for removal of contaminations, which is due to the amazing properties of this method. The biodegradation process does not need a high consumption of energy; it can save nonrenewable sources of energy, and it is considered a green and ecofriendly approach. Among the various biodegradation processes, the biodegradation methods that are based on the application of nanomaterials and especially nanoparticles are in the hotspot. Nanoparticles with unique properties in terms of high chemical and physical stability, high surface area, high adsorption capacity, high-loading capacity, and so on can improve the performance of biodegradation processes. To this end, this chapter focuses on the recent development in roles and application of nanomaterials in biodegradation. To this end, at first, nanomaterials and their unique physical and chemical features will be introduced. Then, the roles of nanoparticles in biodegradation will be discussed. And finally, recent developments and progress of biodegradation processes, which are based on the application of nanoparticles, will be investigated. This chapter can open a new window toward researchers who are interested in biodegradation processes and nanoparticles. We hope that this chapter can help researchers understand the roles of nanoparticles in biodegradation processes for removal of different pollutants from the environment.