Wonders of Nanotechnology for Remediation of Polluted Aquatic Environs

On earth, all forms of life wholly and solely depend upon the clean water sources for their survival. The freshwater ecosystems are home for large number of organisms from microscopic to macroscopic species. However, water pollution has changed the history of freshwater ecosystems due to addition of variety of pollutants. The problem of water pollution is getting worsened year after year which ultimately affects the limited freshwater resources. The anthropogenic activities have created a situation that may, in the coming years, cause permanent damage to the balanced structure of freshwater ecosystems. There are numerous techniques available for wastewater treatment prior to its discharge into recipient water bodies. But, due to one or other reasons, these conventional techniques fail to meet the demands of treating the wastewaters. Besides, efficiency of these available conventional techniques is also a matter of concern. The literature cited in this chapter suggests that nanotechnology could be a valuable, efficient and clean technology to treat the wastewaters. It is not selective to cleanup only organic based pollutants but efficient to remediate heavy metals (Cd2+, Pb2+, Zn2+, Hg2+ and Cr3+) and pesticides in wastewaters. Furthermore, due to an excellent adsorption and catalytic properties of nanomaterials, it has proven to have marvellous antimicrobial activity, pathogen detection and disinfectant quality for the treatment wastewaters.