Limitations and challenges of nanotechnology-based heavy metal remediation: Bridging the gap between laboratory success and Field-Scale Implementation

Abstract

Heavy metal (HM) contamination in water and soil is a serious threat to both the environment and human health, thereby necessitating the use of cleanup approaches. Nanotechnology delivers a promising approach because nanomaterials have large surface areas, adjustable surface properties, and unique reactivity that helps to remove or neutralize metal ions. Lab research has demonstrated that these materials can remove various heavy metals with high efficiency, commonly exceeding 99%, within labs. The main problem lies in translating lab results into practical solutions under practical conditions, which poses a major challenge. This review talks about the problems with using nanomaterials. These problems include: how nanomaterials will behave, technical issues that happen while reusing them, high costs, no standard way to test, safety, and regulatory issues. The review also talks about including green production methods, advanced nanocomposites, and biochars or membranes. The article wants to help research focus on practical, sustainable, and widely accepted ways to clean up using nanotechnology. The goal is to make nanotechnology-based cleanup methods that are good for the environment and work well. Nanotechnology has a lot of potential. The review provides a starting point for future research on nanomaterials.