Chapter 14 - Engineering biomaterials for the bioremediation: advances in nanotechnological approaches for heavy metals removal from natural resources

Abstract

The exhaustive industrialization without proper waste management is prime cause leading to the release of heavy metals into the ecosystems. The removal of heavy metals from natural resources such as water bodies, is best accomplished by its immobilization and concentration on suitable sorbents which could be derived from biomaterials. Nano-bioremediation is an offshoot technology which includes the use of nanomaterials either in ex situ or in situ process of bioremediation. Various nanoparticles synthesized from microorganisms and plants incorporating the process of bioremediation through adsorption, photo-catalysis, redox reactions, and disinfection in order to remove heavy metal pollutants. The employable forms of such nanoparticles could be polymeric, single-enzyme nanoparticles, dendrimers, carbon nanotube (CNT) and/or metal nanoparticles and have expanded its roots to solid waste, uranium waste, hydrocarbon waste, and water waste remediation. Specifically, CNTs, graphene, and their derivatives due to their large specific surface area and concentrated pore distribution have attracted scientific community for environmental bioremediation. The engineering of such biomaterials could be enhanced for efficient heavy metal removal by altering its composition, functional groups and/or form. Nano-bioremediation seems to be effective and more significant for removal of heavy metals diminishing the cons of conventional methods used for bioremediation. The present chapter summarizes the different nanomaterials being utilized for removal of heavy metals from natural resources and reports the engineering aspects and advancement to enhance its utility for bioremediation.