use of nanomaterial in water purification
Water Treatment Nanotechnology, the engineering and art of manipulating matter at the nanoscale (1-100 nm), offers the potential of novel nanomaterials for the treatment of surface water, groundwater and wastewater contaminated by toxic metal ions, organic and inorganic solutes and microorganisms. Due to their unique activity toward recalcitrant contaminants many nanomaterials are under active research and development for use in the treatment of water.
Nanotechnology water treatment Given the importance of clean water to people in developed and developing countries , numerous organizations are considering the potential application of nanoscience to solve technical challenges associated with the removal of water contaminants. Technology developers and others claim that these technologies offer more effective, efficient, durable and affordable approaches to removing specific types of pollutants from water. A range of water treatment devices that incorporate nanotechnology are already on the market and others are in advanced stages of development.
These nanotechnology applications include:
1- Nanofiltration membranes, including desalination technologies;
2- Attapulgite clay, zeolites and polymer filtration;
3- Nanocatalysts;
4- Magnetic nanoparticles;
5- Nanosensors for the detection of contaminants.
Nanofiltration membranes Researchers are using nanomaterials ( e.g carbon nanotubes, alumina fibres) to build structures that have controlled shapes, density and dimensions for specific filtration applications. For instance, researchers have developed and tested cylindrical membranes with pores tiny enough to filter out the smallest organisms.
Carbon nanotube filters The nanotube based water filters are found to filter bacteria and viruses and are more resilient and reusable than conventional membrane filters. The filters could be cleaned by heating the nanotube filters. Nano engineered membranes allowed
Nanotechnology water treatment Given the importance of clean water to people in developed and developing countries , numerous organizations are considering the potential application of nanoscience to solve technical challenges associated with the removal of water contaminants. Technology developers and others claim that these technologies offer more effective, efficient, durable and affordable approaches to removing specific types of pollutants from water. A range of water treatment devices that incorporate nanotechnology are already on the market and others are in advanced stages of development.
These nanotechnology applications include:
1- Nanofiltration membranes, including desalination technologies;
2- Attapulgite clay, zeolites and polymer filtration;
3- Nanocatalysts;
4- Magnetic nanoparticles;
5- Nanosensors for the detection of contaminants.
Nanofiltration membranes Researchers are using nanomaterials ( e.g carbon nanotubes, alumina fibres) to build structures that have controlled shapes, density and dimensions for specific filtration applications. For instance, researchers have developed and tested cylindrical membranes with pores tiny enough to filter out the smallest organisms.
Carbon nanotube filters The nanotube based water filters are found to filter bacteria and viruses and are more resilient and reusable than conventional membrane filters. The filters could be cleaned by heating the nanotube filters. Nano engineered membranes allowed