Nano-Bioremediation Using Biologically Synthesized Intelligent Nanomaterials

Abstract

Nanotechnology has been developed a lot with a wide variety of application in all aspect of human needs. The most concerning part is the challenge to eradicate rapidly increasing pollutants from various sources before it poses a major risk to the environment. Nanomaterials are developing as an emerging novel method to assess environmental risk assessment, and it's remediation. Metal oxides (TiO2), silver nanoparticles, carbon allotropes nanomaterials, etc. are used as adsorbent, nanocatalyst, biosensor, etc., for remediation, reduction, or oxidation process of pollutants based on their physical and chemical properties. Nanoparticles are of two classes: one is organic nanoparticle like carbon allotropes (fullerenes, graphene, etc.), and the other is inorganic nanoparticles representing magnetic noble metals, semiconductor nanomaterials. Extensive studies have been done for different nanoparticles for their ability to be used in bioremediation of water, air, and soil pollution. Despite their promising effect against organic or inorganic pollutants, their toxicity to the organism is also high. In order to combat such problem, we must deploy intelligent nanomaterials that could be coupled with two or more compatible biologically synthesized nanomaterials for target-specific and target-effective removal or reduction of pollutants. They act as biosensor and act according to the abundance of pollutants in the environment. The materials could be tracked down and removed or changed in a periodical manner. Research on these kinds of intelligent nanomaterials is at infantry stage, but it can be an effective sustainable solution.