Nanomaterials for remediation of contaminants: a review

Environmental pollution is inducing short-term and long-term adverse effects on soil, air, water, and living organisms. Globally, more than 13.7 million persons died in 2016 due to living and working in an unhealthy environment according to the World Health Organization. In particular, air pollution caused more than six million deaths, while water pollution caused about 1.8 million deaths, calling for advanced methods of remediation. Nanosized materials, owing to their unique surface properties, exhibit remediation potential for a wide range of pollutants. Here, we review the impact of environmental degradation on human health, followed by conventional physicochemical and biological treatment strategies for remediation of environmental pollutants. Then, we present the synthesis, types, and application of nanomaterials in the degradation and monitoring of various pollutants. The environmental fate and behaviour of nanomaterials are also discussed.