Chapter 7 - Application of nanotechnology in water and wastewater treatment and the vast vision for the future

Abstract

The fields of environmental sciences, environmental engineering, and chemical engineering are currently experiencing a period of scientific revival. Drinking water treatment, groundwater treatment, and industrial wastewater treatment are all seen as being in the middle of introspection and scientific vision. The author herein thoroughly explains improvements in water treatment technologies, nanotechnology, and nano-engineering in this work. The pillars of this well-researched article are the applications of nanotechnology, nanomaterials, and engineered nanomaterials in water treatment procedures. Nanotechnology is now conceived of and viewed as a multidisciplinary discipline of science and technology that integrates engineering principles with physics, chemistry, material science, composite science, biological engineering, and biology. It stems from the current trend of miniaturization and scientific characterization in gadgets, as well as the integration of many disciplines of science and technology. The terms nanotechnology and nano-engineering have been intensively researched over the past few decades and are synonymous with products that are highly inventive, inspirational, invigorating, and promising. Future trends and visions in nanotechnology and nanomaterials are extremely promising. Traditional water and wastewater treatment techniques, such as sedimentation, flocculation, coagulation, activated sludge processes, and activated carbon, are no longer effective at removing refractory organic and inorganic pollutants from water. Membrane techniques like microfiltration, ultrafiltration, and nanofiltration have attracted substantial interest in this futuristic assumption due to their ease of operation and process effectiveness. Because membrane processes are regarded as critical areas of advanced water purification and separation science, industrial wastewater treatment techniques, and desalination techniques, there is a need for ongoing research into newer sophisticated nanomaterials for water purification technologies. As a result, nanomaterials (for example, carbon nanotubes, graphene, fullerenes, nanoparticles, and dendrimers) are assisting in the study and development of more effective and sustainable water-purification and separation technologies. As humankind, science, and engineering progress, a new door in the field of nanomaterials, engineered nanomaterials, and nanotechnology will undoubtedly open. The use of 3D (three-dimensional) printing and gadget creation is currently altering the enormous scientific landscape. The author also thoroughly explains these research and development arenas.