Overview of Potential Applications of Nano-Biotechnology in Wastewater and Effluent Treatment

Abstract A reliable and sustainable supply of water is one of the most basic humanitarian needs and yet remains a challenge to meet global demand. Rivers, lakes, and reservoirs are the primary sources of freshwater and many civilizations evolved around riverine systems due to the availability of ample supply of water and fertile land. With rapid industrial growth, urbanization and increased population, a massive amount of effluents are generated and released into waterbodies which contaminate the water, posing a threat both to human and aquatic lives. The need for scientific innovation to enable sustainable and integrated water management is a step forward for achieving water security. Applications of nanotechnology-based methods are finding many potential solutions in diverse fields, and this technology holds great potential for improving treatment efficiency as well as supplement the water supply from the unconventional water resources. The choice of right nanomaterial, its inherent mechanisms, and its cost-effective methodology increase the efficiency of their applications. In this chapter, nano-based applications, its advantages and limitations are thoroughly reviewed with existing conventional processes, obstacles and constraints for commercialization. In the framework of enormous benefits of biotechnology, nano-biotechnology is evolving with the development of antimicrobial nanomaterials, which has enormous potential applications for pollutants and contaminants removal as illustrated in this chapter.