Using Nanoremediation Strategies: Cost–Benefit Analysis

Abstract

Human beings’ economic activities often result in the release of pollutants into soils and underground waters. Over the years, various methods to remediate contaminated sites have been developed. With advances in nanotechnology, the use of nanomaterials for this purpose has been extensively studied as they present unique characteristics, such as high superficial areas, desirable for removing/neutralizing pollutants. In this regard, several studies have proven that different nanomaterials can be highly efficient in removing pollutants from soil and underground water via different mechanisms, such as adsorption and reduction/oxidation. However, remediation methods need to be economically feasible to be widely adopted by the public and private sectors. Given this framework, the synthesis of nanomaterials can be costly because of the high energy consumption, the use of expensive reactants and raw materials, and the generation of solid residues and wastewater that require adequate treatment and final disposal. In this sense, alternative methods of synthesis that are guided by the principles of green chemistry and that use residues as raw materials and biocompatible reactants have been developed to overcome these drawbacks. Additionally, the impacts on ecosystems and human health from the secondary pollution caused by the release of these nanomaterials into the environment should also be considered, which have been addressed by recent studies. This chapter will provide a cost–benefit analysis of the nanoremediation strategies within the context of the issues mentioned above and on the basis of research studies performed by different authors published in academic journals.