A review of nanotechnological applications to detect and control surface water pollution

Abstract Surface water is extremely susceptible to pollution stemming from human activities, such as the expansion of urban and suburban areas, industries, cities, and agriculture. In fact, sources of surface water have become the most common discharge sites for wastewater, which may contain microorganisms, pharmaceutical waste, heavy metals, and harmful pollutants. As a reference standard for clean water, the water quality standards and index of Malaysia were used. In comparison with conventional wastewater treatment methods, new nanomaterial-based methods for water filtration and purification are drawing attention as more efficient methods for water pollution detection and treatment. This prompts the use of nanotechnology applications to control surface water pollution and quality, as surface water is the main source of water consumption for humans, animals, and plants. This paper reviewed the application of nanotechnology for the detection and treatment of surface water pollution to ensure the sustainability of a green environment. This paper also highlighted the application of nanotechnology, namely, nanofiltration membranes, photocatalysis, plasma discharge, and nano-adsorbents, in wastewater treatment, as well as the application of nano-sensors for monitoring surface water quality. The integration of nano-adsorbents in the conventional technology may increase treatment efficiency because nano-adsorbents have demonstrated remarkable performance in the removal of contaminants in wastewater. The hurdles, challenges, and outlook of nanotechnology for wastewater treatment were addressed in this review. The insights presented in this paper may provide opportunities and directions to expand studies pertaining to the applications of nanotechnology for future surface water treatment.