NANO TECHNOLOGY FOR WATER TREATMENT
BY
FELIX REBECCA ONYAM
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL ENGENEERING,
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY,
ABUBAKAR TAFAWA BALEWA UNIVERSITY BAUCHI,
BAUCHI STATE.
PRESENTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF
RESERVOIR AND PRODUCTION,
LOWER USMAN DAM WATER TREATMENT PLANT
BWARI ROAD,
FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY WATER BOARD,
F.C.T - ABUJA.
July, 2023
1
INTRODUCTION
What is Nanotechnology?
Nanotechnology refers to the manipulation of matter at the Nanoscale, which is on the
order of billionths of a meter. In the context of water treatment, nanotechnology
involves the design and utilization of nanoscale materials and structures to address
various challenges associated with water purification and remediation.
Nano technology, also known as nanoscience or nanotechnology, is a field of science
and engineering that focuses on materials and systems at the nanoscale. It involves
manipulating and controlling matter at the atomic, molecular, and supramolecular
levels, typically in the range of 1 to 100 nanometers.
Nanotechnology has revolutionized various industries by enabling scientists and
engineers to design and create materials and devices with unique properties and
capabilities. Nano technology is a vast and multidisciplinary field that involves
manipulating and controlling materials and systems at the nanoscale, which is on the
order of nanometers (10^-9 meters). It encompasses a wide range of scientific
disciplines, including physics, chemistry, biology, materials science, and engineering.
Access to clean and cheap water resources is the global challenge and is one of the
United Nation’s Sustainable Developmental Goals. The problem is becoming
overwhelming due to rapid increase in the world’s population, global climatic changes,
high-energy demands, and municipal and industrial contamination that threaten the
reservoirs and sustainable supply of freshwater. Agricultural activities on the other
hand are drawing more and more freshwater and continue to contaminate the
freshwater reservoirs. These and other factors continue to press the need for
technological advancement to safeguard against the scarcity of freshwater.
2
Modern-day water treatment technologies demand new approaches and improved
materials for water resource conservation and management. Along with other long-
range industrial applications, nanotechnology has the promise to ensure sustainable
availability of clean drinking water and conservation of water resources through
applying advance materials and techniques for water purification, conservation, and
reuse. Current advancements in nanotechnology indicate that the many problems
related to water quality can be successfully addressed by applying nanomaterials in the
form of adsorbents, catalysts and catalytic membranes for enhanced filtration. The
nanotechnology can be used in the key areas of water purification separations,
bioremediation, and water disinfection with significant cost reduction and creating new
economic opportunities for developing and underdeveloped countries. We shall be
looking at some advancements in nanotechnologies for water purification, future
direction and practical challenges in their commercialization and potential risks
associated with nanoscale water remediation.
The use of nanotechnology in water treatment is a transformative concept that holds
tremendous promise for addressing global water challenges. Nanotechnology involves
the manipulation of materials at the nanoscale, offering unique characteristics and
properties that can revolutionize water treatment processes.
However, while nanotechnology brings numerous benefits to water treatment, it's
essential to consider the potential environmental and health impacts of nanomaterials.
Proper regulation and careful risk assessment of nanotechnology applications in water
treatment will be crucial to ensure the safety and long-term sustainability of these
advancements.
ROLES OF NANOTECHNOLOGY IN WATER TREATMENT
3
. Nano filtration: Nanomaterials are used in specialized filters that can efficiently
remove contaminants at the molecular level. These filters can effectively remove
particles, bacteria, viruses, and even certain dissolved substances from water,
providing cleaner and safer drinking water.
. Nano Membranes: Nanotechnology has contributed to the development of advanced
membranes with nanoscale pores that allow only water molecules to pass through
while blocking contaminants. This process is known as reverse osmosis. It's a highly
effective method for desalinating seawater and treating brackish water.
. Nanoparticle-based Adsorbents: Nano-sized particles, like metal oxides and carbon
nanotubes, can be used as adsorbents to remove heavy metals, organic pollutants, and
other harmful substances from water. These nanoparticles have a high surface area,
making them efficient at binding and removing contaminants.
. Nano Catalysts: Nanomaterials act as catalysts to enhance the degradation of organic
pollutants in water through advanced oxidation processes. These Nano catalysts can
break down harmful chemicals into less toxic compounds, contributing to better water
quality.
. Self-Cleaning Surfaces: Nano coatings and materials with super hydrophobic
properties can be applied to water treatment equipment, like pipes and filters. These
surfaces repel water and prevent the adhesion of contaminants, reducing the need for
frequent cleaning and maintenance.
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF NANOTECHNOLOGY
Nanotechnology, like any technological advancement, brings both potential benefits
and potential environmental implications. It's essential to carefully evaluate and
address the environmental effects associated with the production, use, and disposal of
nanomaterials. Here are some key considerations:
4
Health and Safety: The potential toxicity of nanomaterials is an important concern.
Some nanomaterials may exhibit different properties and behaviors compared to their
bulk counterparts, which could impact human health and the environment. Extensive
research is conducted to assess the potential risks and develop guidelines for safe
handling, disposal, and exposure prevention.
Environmental Fate and Transport: Nanomaterials can enter the environment
through various pathways, including wastewater discharge, accidental releases during
manufacturing or product use, or intentionally through certain applications. It is crucial
to understand the fate, behavior, and transformations of nanomaterials in
environmental systems to assess their potential environmental impacts.
Ecotoxicity: The effects of nanomaterials on ecological systems and organisms are
also of concern. Studies assess how nanomaterials may interact with various
organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. The potential for
bioaccumulation and biomagnification in food chains is also examined.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): Assessing the environmental impact of
nanotechnology includes examining the entire life cycle of nanomaterials and
nanotechnology-enabled products. This includes evaluating potential impacts during
raw material extraction, manufacturing, use, and end-of-life disposal or recycling.
Regulation and Risk Assessment: Governments and regulatory agencies are actively
involved in assessing and managing the potential environmental implications of
nanotechnology. Risk assessment frameworks are being developed to evaluate the
environmental risks associated with nanomaterials and to establish appropriate
regulatory measures.
5
ADVANTAGES OF NANOTECHNOGY
Nanotechnology offers several advantages in the field of water treatment due to its
unique properties and capabilities at the nanoscale. Here are some key advantages of
nanotechnology in water treatment:
Enhanced Filtration and Separation: Nanotechnology enables the development of
advanced filtration and separation techniques. Nanomaterial-based filters and
membranes have smaller pore sizes and increased surface areas, allowing for more
effective removal of contaminants, including particles, bacteria, viruses, and dissolved
substances. This leads to improved water quality and enhanced purification.
Targeted Contaminant Removal: Nanomaterials can be designed with specific
properties to selectively target and remove particular contaminants from water. Nano
adsorbents, like activated carbon nanoparticles or metal oxide nanomaterials, can
efficiently adsorb heavy metals, organic pollutants, and emerging contaminants,
resulting in cleaner and safer water.
Increased Water Recovery: Nanotechnology plays a crucial role in desalination
processes, enabling the conversion of seawater or brackish water into freshwater.
Nanomaterial-based membranes, such as reverse osmosis membranes with nanoscale
pores, are highly effective at removing salt and impurities while allowing water
molecules to pass through. This enhances water recovery and addresses water scarcity
challenges.
Improved Water Monitoring and Analysis: Nanosensors and nanomaterial-based
analytical platforms offer enhanced capabilities for water quality monitoring and
analysis. These sensors enable real-time and onsite detection of contaminants, such as
heavy metals, pathogens, and pollutants, even at low concentrations. This facilitates
6
early detection of water pollution incidents and allows for timely response and
remediation actions.
Self-Cleaning and Anti-Fouling Surfaces: Nanotechnology can be employed to
develop self-cleaning and anti-fouling coatings for water treatment equipment, such as
pipes, membranes, and filters. These coatings prevent the buildup of deposits,
biofouling, and scaling, leading to improved operational efficiency and reduced
maintenance needs.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability: Nanotechnology-enabled water treatment
processes
often exhibit higher energy efficiency compared to conventional methods. For
instance, advanced nanomaterial-based processes can reduce the energy requirements
for water purification, making water treatment more sustainable and cost-effective.
DISADVANTAGES OF NANOTECHNOGY
Cost: One significant disadvantage of nanotechnology in water treatment is the initial
cost associated with developing and implementing nanomaterial-based systems.
Nanomaterials often involve complex synthesis processes, specialized equipment, and
skilled personnel, which can contribute to higher costs compared to traditional water
treatment methods. However, as the technology advances and scales up, costs are
expected to decrease.
Long-Term Durability and Stability: The long-term durability and stability of
nanomaterials used in water treatment systems can be a concern. The performance and
structural integrity of nanomaterial-based membranes and filters may degrade over
time due to fouling, chemical interactions, or changes in environmental conditions.
7
Ensuring the long-term stability of nanomaterials is crucial for their sustainable use in
water treatment.
Environmental Impact: The environmental impact of nanomaterials, particularly their
release into water systems, is an area of ongoing research and concern. There is a need
to understand the fate, behavior, and potential toxicity of nanomaterials in aquatic
ecosystems. Controlling the release and disposal of nanomaterials is important to
prevent potential negative effects on the environment and ecosystems.
Regulatory Challenges: Nanotechnology in water treatment may introduce new
regulatory challenges. Developing appropriate regulations and standards for the
production, use, and disposal of nanomaterials requires comprehensive understanding
of their potential risks and impacts. Regulatory frameworks need to keep pace with
rapid advancements in nanotechnology while ensuring safety and environmental
protection.
Public Perception and Acceptance: Nanotechnology, being a relatively new field,
may face public skepticism or concern regarding its safety and potential risks.
Transparent communication, risk assessment, and addressing public concerns are
critical for wider acceptance and successful adoption of nanotechnology in water
treatment.
8
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the integration of nanotechnology in water treatment holds immense
potential for revolutionizing the way we address water challenges. With highly
efficient filtration systems, enhanced decontamination capabilities, antimicrobial
surfaces, and improved desalination techniques, nanotechnology can contribute
significantly to providing clean and safe water for communities worldwide.
RECOMMENDATION
To maximize the benefits of nanotechnology in water treatment, it is necessary for
researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders to collaborate, share knowledge, and
engage in ongoing dialogue. Continued research and development are needed to fully
understand the environmental impacts and optimize the effectiveness and efficiency of
nanotechnology-based water treatment processes.
By harnessing the potential of nanotechnology while addressing the associated
challenges, we can contribute to improved water quality, increased access to clean
water, and sustainable water management practices.
9
REFERENCE
Yan J. Estevez Mc smith JE, Wang K, He X al (2007) Dye-doped nanoparticle for
bioanalysis, Nano T0day 2:44-50.
Chen W. Duan l. Zhu D (2007) Adoption of polar and nonpolar organic chemicals to
carbon nanotubes, Environ SciTechnol 41:8295-300.
Liu YH, ding J, Luan Z, Zhu Y, et al. (2003) competitive adsorption of Pb2+, Cu2+
and Cd+ ion from aqueous solution by multiwalled carbon nanotubes, carbon41:2787-
2792.
Liu G, Lin Y (2007) nanomaterial labels in electrochemical immunosensors and
immunoassays, Takinta 74:308-317.
Xu H, Li G, Li l. (2008) CeO2 Nanocrystals: seed-medicated synthesis and size control
mater Res Bull 43;990-995
Manzoori JL, Amjadi M, Darvishshnejad M, (2009) Separation pre-concentration of
trace quantities of copper ion using modified alumina nanoparticles, and its
determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry, Microch Acta 176:437-443
10
