Nanotechnology: Perspective for environmental sustainability

Abstract

"Environmental nanotechnology" is considered to play a key role in the shaping of current environmental engineering and science. The conventional environmental remedial techniques seem to be relatively ineffectual in the face of currently extensively expanding load of pollutants that permeate the air, water, and soil environment.Nanotechnology can provide a way to purify the air and water resources by utilizing nanoparticles as a catalyst and/or sensing systems. In the present research chapter, the potential of nanotechnological products and processes and their application to clean up the environment contaminants have been discussed.Water treatment and purification techniques based on nanotechnology have been highlighted. These also include the environmental and energy application of nanotechnology which focuses on clean technology, reducing global warming, eco-friendly and efficient energy-generating techniques, ecofriendly surface coating, remediation techniques, and environmentalmonitoring. Environmental nanoscience products, devices, and processes have an impact on socioeconomic aspects for maintaining a clean environment for sustainable development.