Nanotechnology and Sustainability: Benefits and Risks of Nanotechnology for Environmental Sustainability

Abstract

The potential positive and negative effects of nanotechnologybased materials and devices on the environment are discussed in this article. It was found that nanotechnology delivers benefits in the areas of environmental sensing and detection, remediation and treatment and energy conservation. Novel nano-engineered technologies provide more sensitive and reliable air and water monitoring solutions with real time response capabilities. Nanotech nology designs cost-efficient, simple-to-use, and more effective treatment and remediation tools of benefit for the long-term sustainability of air, water and soil resources. It has contributed to energy conservation through the development and application of energy saving and renewable energy technologies. Along with its benefits, the potential risks of nanotechnology for the environment are also addressed in this article.