Nanotechnology-enabled water treatment and reuse: emerging opportunities and challenges for developing countries

The availability of clean water is necessary for all aspects of food production, preparation, distribution and consumption. Yet the magnitude, intensity and diversity of water pollution and the depletion of some water resources continue to grow, reducing the availability of clean, usable water and raising the potential for a water-related crisis that would have a severe impact on food processes. These impacts could be especially severe in developing nations where water supplies and treatment technologies are limited. Nanotechnology shows great promise as a feasible means of treating both long-standing and emerging water contaminants, as well as enabling technologies such as desalination of seawater to increase water supply. However, some engineered nanomaterials could also become water pollutants that threaten public and ecosystem health. Accordingly, this paper considers both the applications and implications of nanotechnology within the context of water quality and water security for developing countries.