Chapter 10 - Microbial-based synthesis of nanoparticles to remove different pollutants from wastewater

Abstract

Nanoparticles (NPs) have sparked a lot of interest in recent decades as a result of their high surface-to-volume ratio and other innovative, distinct, and remarkable qualities. Customarily, NPs have been made using chemical or physical approaches, which utilize harmful substances as well as need a lot of energy and are therefore costly. However, microorganism based nanoparticle preparation is biocompatible, cost-effective, harmless to the ecosystem, and energy-intensive. Because of their quick pace of advancement, natural frameworks, especially microbes, are a one of a kind potential for accomplishing nonhazardous nanoparticle creation. In biological system, a single bacterium can fill in as both a center and a network for NPs development control. In light of their high surface region to volume ratio, biomolecule functionalization, and different variables, microbial nanoparticle creation has discovered boundless use in wastewater treatment. Different organic compounds found in microorganisms, like chemicals, acids, polysaccharides, and others, work as a reducing agent for metallic NPs, while other biomolecules are additionally employed with the metal oxide synthesis of NPs. Furthermore, the proteins, carbohydrates, and enzymes found in these bacteria work as surfactants and capping agents, reducing the need for toxic artificial surfactants. These metallic and metal oxide NPs adsorption sites on the outer layer aid in the elimination of contaminants from wastewater. In light of these qualities, the current chapter focuses on continuing research in the field of microbial synthesis of metals and metal oxide NPs, as well as their potential applications in the remediation of various contaminants in water and wastewater.