Chapter 20 - Role of nanomaterials in soil and water quality management

Abstract

Currently, nanotechnology is an emerging innovative technology in environmental remediation. Nanomaterials (NMs) have the capacity to improve the soil and water quality and remove the contamination like unwanted microorganisms, heavy metals, and others. NMs are currently being examined as a means to improve the quality of agricultural soils, and thus increased the sustainable agriculture practices. Because of their small size and large surface area, they are very reactive and have many unique properties (e.g., enhanced cation exchange capacity, long-lasting nutrient release, and nutrient delivery) that are potentially feasible for use in soil restoration problems. In terms of water quality management, NMs inhibit biofilm growth and remove undesirable microorganisms from the contaminated water. NMs such as silver nanoparticles (NPs), and other metallic and metallic oxide NPs, such as titanium oxide, magnesium oxide, copper, copper oxide, zinc oxide, cadmium selenium, and cadmium telluride are being used as antimicrobial agents. The preparation of antimicrobial nanocomposites with higher capacity of immobilization, which reduces the potential risks NPs leakage, is of paramount importance for their superior antimicrobial properties. In this chapter, we devoted to reviewing the role of NMs in soil and water quality management. In addition, some examples of their current application and challenges are also being discussed.