Innovations in nanomaterials for remediation of heavy metal−polluted soil: Advances, mechanistic insights, and future prospects

Soil contaminated with heavy metals is a global health hazard. Nanomaterials, with their unique physical and chemical properties, hold significant potential for the remediation of soil polluted with heavy metals. They effectively reduce the mobility and bioavailability of heavy metals through various mechanisms such as adsorption, precipitation, and oxidation-reduction. This paper provides an in-depth exploration of the cutting-edge applications of various nanomaterials, including nanometallic, nano non-metallic materials, nanoclay and mineral materials, and nano modified biochar materials, in the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils. It specifically focuses on the key factors influencing the remediation efficacy of these nanomaterials, as well as the underlying remediation mechanisms and methods for performance optimization. The aims of this paper are to provide guidance for the further application of nanomaterials in the field of soil heavy metal remediation, and to offer insights that could promote the effective control of soil heavy metal pollution.