RECENT ADVANCES IN NANOMATERIALS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION AND WATER PURIFICATION: A REVIEW

Abstract

The increasing deterioration of environmental quality and the growing scarcity of clean water have intensified the demand for advanced and sustainable remediation technologies. Nanomaterials have emerged as highly effective materials for environmental remediation because of their exceptional surface area, tunable physicochemical properties, catalytic activity, and multifunctional performance. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in nanomaterials for water purification and environmental cleanup, focusing on carbon-based nanomaterials, metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, magnetic nanomaterials, nanocomposites, nanomembranes, and smart functionalized materials. Their classification, pollutant removal mechanisms, and applications in eliminating heavy metals, dyes, pharmaceuticals, organic pollutants, and emerging contaminants are discussed. The review also examines current challenges related to nanotoxicity, environmental sustainability, commercialization, and large-scale implementation while highlighting the importance of green synthesis, material recyclability, and circular economy approaches. Overall, nanotechnology presents significant opportunities for developing efficient, sustainable, and next-generation water treatment systems that can effectively address global environmental pollution and water security challenges.