Applications of Nanomaterials for Heavy Metal Removal from Water and Soil: A Review

Heavy metals are toxic and non-biodegradable environmental contaminants that seriously threaten human health. The remediation of heavy metal-contaminated water and soil is an urgent issue from both environmental and biological points of view. Recently, nanomaterials with excellent adsorption capacities, great chemical reactivity, active atomicity, and environmentally friendly performance have attracted widespread interest as potential adsorbents for heavy metal removal. This review first introduces the application of nanomaterials for removing heavy metal ions from the environment. Then, the environmental factors affecting the adsorption of nanomaterials, their toxicity, and environmental risks are discussed. Finally, the challenges and opportunities of applying nanomaterials in environmental remediation are discussed, which can provide perspectives for future in-depth studies and applications.

Automated summary

Heavy metals are toxic and non-biodegradable environmental contaminants that pose serious threats to human health. Nanomaterials have recently gained widespread interest as potential adsorbents for removing heavy metal ions from the environment, due to their excellent adsorption capacities and environmentally friendly performance. This review discusses the application of nanomaterials in environmental remediation, as well as the challenges and opportunities they face.