Potential application of nanotechnology in wastewater management: A paradigm shift

Water contamination adversely affects the environment and human health and has significant socioeconomic implications. Scarcity of potable water requires effective strategies for wastewater treatment. Conventional strategies release disinfection byproducts (DBPs), consume time and are expensive. Nanotechnology uses molecules or atoms to develop new devices with enhanced optical, conductive, magnetic, mechanical, and electronic characteristics. It is an emerging viable technique for wastewater purification, but its implementation needs to be explored. In this review, we specify nanotechniques for wastewater treatment, formulated on processes of adsorption, biosorption, photocatalysis, nanofiltration, sensing and monitoring technologies. Additionally, we also interpret the future of wastewater treatment through nanotechnology and the risks associated.