Nanotechnology in soil remediation - applications vs. implications

Yuting Qian; Caidie Qin; Mengmeng Chen; Sijie Lin

doi:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.110815

Nanotechnology in soil remediation - applications vs. implications

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2020 Sep 15:201:110815. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.110815. Epub 2020 Jun 16.

Authors

Yuting Qian¹, Caidie Qin¹, Mengmeng Chen², Sijie Lin³

Affiliations

¹ College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Biomedical Multidisciplinary Innovation Research Institute, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, China; Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Ministry of Education; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, China.
² College of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai, 200090, China.
³ College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Biomedical Multidisciplinary Innovation Research Institute, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, China; Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Ministry of Education; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, China. Electronic address: lin.sijie@tongji.edu.cn.

PMID: 32559688
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.110815

Abstract

Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) and nanotechnology have shown great potential in addressing complex problems and creating innovative approaches in soil remediation due to their unique features of high reactivity, selectivity and versatility. Meanwhile, valid concerns exist with regard to their implications towards the terrestrial environment and the ecosystem. This review summarizes: (i) the applications and the corresponding mechanisms of various types of ENMs for soil remediation; (ii) the environmental behavior of ENMs in soils and their interactions with the soil content; (iii) the environmental implications of ENMs during remedial applications. The overall objective is to promote responsible innovations so as to take optimal advantage of ENMs and nanotechnology while minimizing their adverse effects to the ecological system. It is critical to establish sustainable remediation methods that ensure a healthy and safe environment without bringing additional risk.

Keywords: Engineered nanomaterials; Environmental implications; Nanotechnology; Soil remediation.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Ecosystem
Environmental Restoration and Remediation / methods*
Nanostructures* / chemistry
Nanostructures* / toxicity
Nanotechnology / methods*
Soil / chemistry*
Soil Pollutants* / chemistry
Soil Pollutants* / toxicity

Substances

Soil
Soil Pollutants