Green Synthesis of Nanoparticles and Their Applications in Water and Wastewater Treatment

Abstract

Green synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) is an emerging research trend in green nanotechnology as this method is nontoxic or less toxic, eco-friendly, efficient, and cost-effective as compared to other conventional physical and chemical methods. Green synthesis of NPs employs various biological agents such as plants, bacteria, algae, and fungi, but nowadays plant-based green synthesis of NPs is gaining more attention among researchers from around the world. A variety of green synthesized NPs are currently being used in water and wastewater treatment due to their high efficiency and biocompatible nature. Green synthesized NPs are highly proficient for recycling and removal of heavy metal from wastewaters without loss of their stability and degradation of a variety of organic pollutants from wastewaters and, thus, purify the wastewaters for reuse and recycling and could solve various water quality issues worldwide. However, regeneration and reusability are the main challenges to researchers and scientist yet in the green synthesis approach as a technology transfer from laboratory scale to commercial applications. In this chapter, we discussed the green synthesis approach for NPs and their applications in water and wastewater treatment and dye degradation from wastewaters. Further, challenges and issues related to the use of green synthesized NPs in water and wastewater treatment are also discussed.