The Dual Edge of Nanotechnology: Investigating the Environmental Risks and Benefits of Nanoparticles

Nanotechnology plays several roles in our environment, and this study focuses on AgNPs, TiO₂ NPs, and CNTs. While these minute particles are incredibly useful and extend great hope toward applications in the purification of water, as well as controlling pollutants, they are known to pose a high degree of environmental risk. Examples include AgNPs, which were observed to bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms with high toxicity levels, hence raising concerns over its potential for ecosystem harm. On one side, TiO₂ NPs mostly exhibit less toxicity; however, with the action of UV light exposure, it can be dangerous and elicit stress in organisms. On the other hand, CNTs only showed low immediate toxicity, but their persistence in the environment may result in long-term effects. This work further underpins how much balance is needed in the use of nanotechnology: to maximize its benefits while trying to minimize risks as protection for our environment.