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How can nanoparticles help remove contaminants from soil and water?

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Gold and palladium alloy nanoparticles — nanoparticle Image showing nanoparticles of an alloy of gold (yellow) and palladium (blue) on an acid-treated carbon support (gray). These particles were employed as catalysts for the formation of hydrogen peroxide from hydrogen (white) and oxygen (red).

Nanoparticles offer significant potential for environmental remediation by improving the efficiency and speed of contaminant removal processes. Because they possess a large proportion of atoms in a highly reactive state, they require less material than traditional industrial methods.1

A primary application involves the use of nanoscale zero-valent iron (NZVI) particles. These particles can be deployed in the field to neutralize organochlorine compounds, such as polychlorinated biphenyls, which are common environmental pollutants. Because of their small size, NZVI particles are capable of permeating deep into rock layers, allowing them to reach and treat contaminants located within deep aquifers.1

While research continues into the potential risks nanoparticles may pose as carriers of pollutants or disruptors of microbial communities, their ability to serve as effective tools for cleaning soil and water remains a vital area of scientific development.23