Mechanistic removal of environmental contaminants using biogenic nano-materials

Abstract

Materials of nano-dimensions are gaining popularity due to their inherent properties such as high reactivity, mobility and surface area. Environmental bioremediation by employing microbial platforms is one of the most rapidly growing areas of nano-biotechnology. Nanoparticles synthesized using biological entities such as yeast, bacteria, fungi, algae and plants are referred to as biogenic nanoparticles. Owing to their nontoxicity, biologically synthesized nanoparticles have emerged as a sustainable alternative to chemically synthesized nanoparticles. In the past few years, several biogenic nanoparticles have been developed for potential application in medicine and environmental remediation. Biogenic nanoparticles such as biogenic manganese oxide (BioMnOx), biogenic nano-magnets, bio-palladium nanocrystals and biogenic iron species have proven to be effective for the removal of several micro-pollutants, heavy metals, recalcitrant pollutants and halogenated compounds. Nano-bioremediation could emerge as a better, safer, ecofriendly and cost-effective technology, which can greatly influence the domain of environmental remediation in the long run. This study reviews the synthesis, classification and applications of microbial nanoparticles for environmental bioremediation.