Chapter 11 - Remediation of pesticide residues from contaminated water using various nanomaterials and nanocomposites

Abstract

Extensive utilization of pesticides for enhancing agricultural growth has rigorously affected our surrounding ecosystem. Contaminated water reserves have been an area of apprehension. Nanotechnology has been given huge consideration in recent decades due to the exceptional characteristics of nanomaterials (NMs). Carbon NMs (CNMs) have an improved reactivity and superior efficiency when compared to their other equivalents. Moreover, CNMs have the prospective to influence exceptional surface chemistry, like they can be attached by functional groups to aim at particular contaminants for proficient removal. The calculated alteration in the physical characteristics and chemical composition of the CNMs offers surplus beneficial properties that straightway influence the material efficiency for contaminants remediation. The amazing external adaptation chemistry accompanied by the adjustable physical characteristics of the CNMs provides substantial benefits over conservative techniques for the remediation of pesticides contaminants from the surrounding environment. Furthermore, the methods that are established in the amalgamation of various materials (composites/hybrids), collecting unique favorable properties from each of its constituents, are possibly more proficient, stable, and selective. A wide range of NMs combined with various microbes having different properties, sizes, and morphologies are used for the remediation of contaminants. Biologically generated NMs and enzymatic biosensors for pesticide detection need more extensive research for the remediation of pesticide residues. Thus this chapter offers a unique overview of the scope of remediation of pesticides from contaminated water using various NMs and nanocomposites.