NANOTECHNOLOGY IN SOIL REMEDIATION: EMERGING INNOVATIONS, MECHANISMS AND CHALLENGES FOR CONTAMINANT REMOVAL

Abstract

The rate of industrialization, unsustainable farming practices, and rapid urbanization, leading to soil pollution, is a major environmental issue worldwide. It is harmful to the ecosystem and food security, as well as human health. Although traditional remediation techniques are widely used, they may have drawbacks, including costly treatment, lengthy treatment time, and limited effectiveness, as well as in complex soil conditions. Consider the context here, and the interest in using nanotechnology as a new and green soil remediation technology becomes apparent. This article discusses the negative effects that different types of pollutants in soil, such as inorganic, organic, and emergent, have on the environment. The various classes of nanomaterials include nano biochar, carbon-based materials, metal oxide nanoparticles, metal nanoparticles, and metal and metal oxide particles. Additionally, it explores the unique physicochemical characteristics that boost their ability to eliminate pollutants. We offer some of these methods of nano-remediation, such as adsorption, immobilization, catalysis, redox transformation, and photocatalysis. The synergy potential is studied by incorporating nanoparticles with biological and chemical methods for cleanup. All types of production methods, tests and test procedures, environmental risks, and issues with wide adoption are covered in the article. Future perspectives emphasize the importance of developing long-term synthesis processes and comprehensive testing and risk assessment for safe and effective utilization of nanotechnology in soil remediation. With the aid of nanotechnology, soil management choices that are feasible, affordable, and eco-friendly could become possible.