Abstract

Nanotechnology is a multidisciplinary field that has gained significant momentum in recent years. Nanoparticles are the key players that have promised many benefits through their nano-enabled applications in multiple sectors. This review summarizes the use of nanomaterials such as zero valent iron (nZVI) and carbon nanotubes (CNT) in environmental cleanup like ground water remediation for drinking and reuse. There are, however, concerns regarding the potential risks associated with the use of nanomaterials to the environment and human health. An understanding of the relationship between the properties of nanoparticles and their in vivo effects would provide an effective strategy to tackle the deleterious effects.

Introduction

In recent years, nanoscience and technology has introduced a new dimension to scientific disciplines and technology sectors due to its ability to exhibit superfunctional properties of materials at nano-dimensions. There is a remarkable rise in research and development in all developed countries and many developing countries pertaining to this field. Organizations such as Universities, public research institutes and industrial R&D laboratories 1focus strongly on this new technology to benefit from its scientific and technological advantages [1]. Nanotechnology is a multidisciplinary field that applies engineering and manufacturing principles at molecular level [2]. In broad terms, nanotechnology is the development and use of techniques to study physical phenomena and construct structures in the physical size range of 1–۱۰۰ nanometers (nm) as well as the incorporation of these structures into applications [3]. The past couple of decades have been dedicated to the synthesis, characterization, and application of nanomaterials