Nanomaterials for the Removal and Detection of Heavy Metals: A Review

Abstract

Heavy metal pollution in our water system has become a global concern. Pollution of heavy metals in water arises from anthropogenic activities such as industrial processes, agricultural runoff, mining, and improper waste disposal. The persistent accumulation of heavy metal in aquatic environments necessitate innovative approaches for remediation. Furthermore, accurate detection and characterization of heavy metals is crucial for proper assessment when evaluating various challenges on water pollution. Emerging applications from the field of nanoscience provide promising developments for both remediation and the analytical techniques required for both detection and quantification of heavy metal contaminants. This review provides a comprehensive outlook on the current applications of nano-based approaches for heavy metal remediation in water and the different analytical techniques based on nanomaterial-based technologies. Synthesis of key findings in both removal and characterization of heavy metals provide a holistic outlook and understanding on nanomaterials, as well as providing a comprehensive perspective on how nanotechnology can facilitate innovation in water remediation and detection of pollutants.