Biogenic Synthesis of Nanoparticles and Its Application in Wastewater Treatment

Abstract

Nanotechnology is a boon in the field of science as well as for all life forms in our blue planet. These nanoparticles have found tremendous application in various fields such as in environmental biotechnology, in agriculture as fertilizers, in the production of glass and alloys and in solar cells, photoconductors, nanomedicine, cosmetics, food industry, drug delivery, biosensors, etc. Nanoparticles can be formed chemically, but recent research has focussed mainly in the production of nanoparticles by green/biogenic synthesis, which is found to be eco-friendly. Production of biogenic nanoparticles is very economical, utilizes less energy and produces little or no toxic end/by-products, so this method can be used as an alternative to other approaches. This book chapter highlights the various approaches and microbiological sources (such as bacteria, fungi, actinomycete, algae and yeast) for nanoparticle production and how their biosorptive and catalytic properties are used in the removal and degradation of various types of pollutants from the environment.