Water Pollution and Nanotechnology

How can nanotechnology be used to reduce water pollution?

Nanotechnology is being used to develop solutions to three very different problems in water quality.

One challenge is the removal of industrial water pollution, such as a cleaning solvent called TCE, from ground water. Nanoparticles can be used to convert the contaminating chemical through a chemical reaction to make it harmless. Studies have shown that this method can be used successfully to reach contaminates dispersed in underground ponds and at much lower cost than methods which require pumping the water out of the ground for treatment.

Another challenge is the removal of salt or metals from water. A deionization method using electrodes composed of nano-sized fibers shows promise for reducing the cost and energy requirements of turning salt water into drinking water.

The third problem concerns the fact that standard filters do not work on virus cells. A filter only a few nanometers in diameter is currently being developed that should be capable of removing virus cells from water.

See the following section for more about the potential of nanotechnology in removing contaminates from water.

Water Pollution: Nanotechnology Applications under Development

Combining a nanomembrane with solar power to reduce the cost of desalinating seawater

Using iron nanoparticles to clean up carbon tetrachloride pollution in ground water

Using silver chloride nanowires as a photocatalysis to decompose organic molecules in polluted water.

Using an electrified filter composed of silver nanowires, carbon nanotubes and cotton to kill bacteria in water.

Nanoparticles that can absorb radioactive particles polluting ground-water

Coating iron nanoparticles allow them to neutralize dense, hydrophobic solvents polluting ground-water

Using nanowire mats to absorb oil spills

Using iron oxide nanoparticles to clean arsenic from water wells.

Using gold tipped carbon nanotubes to trap oil drops polluting water.

Water Pollution: Nanotechnology Company Directory

Other Environmental Related Pages

• Nanotechnology and Air Pollution
• Can Nanotechnology Economically Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions?
• Can Nanotechnology make Drought Relief a Reality?