Abstract

In the area of water purification, nanotechnology offers the possibility of an efficient removal of pollutants and germs. Today nanoparticles, nanomembrane and nanopowder used for detection and removal of chemical and biological substances include metals (e.g. Cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, nickel, zinc), nutrients (e.g. Phosphate, ammonia, nitrate and nitrite), cyanide, organics, algae (e.g. cyanobacterial toxins) viruses, bacteria, parasites and antibiotics.

Product

How it works?

Importance
Rainwater harvesting is increasingly important to countries like China, Nepal and Thailand. The nanosponge is much more efficient than traditional mist-catching nets India, Bangladesh and other developing countries suffer thousands of cases of arsenic poisoning each year, linked to poisoned wells Already on the market, this membrane enables desalination with lower energy costs than reverse osmosis

Nanosponge for rainwater A combination of harvesting polymers and glass nano particles that can be printed onto surfaces like fabrics to soak up water

Nanorust to remove arsenic

Magnetic nano particles of iron oxide suspended in water bind arsenic, which is then removed with a magnet

Desalination membrane

A combination of polymers and nano particles that draws in water ions and repels dissolved salts

How it works ?
Nanomagnets
Surface modified magnetic

Nanofiltration
Utilises nano membranes which

nanoparticles have a high affinity for the target contaminant. A magnetic core that facilitates their recovery and a shell that provides stability, protection from oxidation and surface to which contaminant specific ligands are attached. Possess large surface relative to their volume and can easily bind with chemicals.

are uniquely designed in layers. Membrane acts as a physical barrier, capturing particles and microorganisms bigger than their pores and selectively rejecting substances. Capable of removing hardness, heavy metals and natural organic matter in one single treatment step.

Industrial Application
Nanomagnets
Magnetic nanorust are used

Nanofiltration
Using nanofiltration

to remove arsenic from drinking water. Carbon coated iron oxide nanomagnets to remove heavy metal ions such as copper, lead and cadmium. nanoparticulate silver in purified water has a 100% cure rate for malaria.

membrane to produce safe drinking water from brackish ground water. Development of carbon nanotube filters that remove bacteria and viruses more effectively than conventional membrane filters.

Advantages
Nanomagnets
Uses low cost chemicals and

Nanofiltration
Nano filters are close in size to

magnets. Can be used in a continuous manner and the nano particles remain target specific Ease of regenerating and recovering particles from the system makes them suitable for recycling in water treatment. Shell around the nano magnet greatly enhances material stability and heavy metal removal efficiencies of the nano particle. Able to detect and kill harmful bacteria such as E.coli

reverse osmosis filters, but cost much less to run. Obtaining fresh water from salty water more viable because membrane technology drive down the prohibitively high cost of desalination. Considered to be green technology because no chemicals are used in the process.

Disadvantages
Nanomagnets
Presence of salt or competing

Nanofiltration
Fouling of membranes due to

ions has a deleterious effect on adsorption of mercury by the particles.

accumulation of solute or particulate at the membrane interface has to be addressed for economic reasons. Nano filters do not provide any residual disinfection to control microbial growth in water supply after filtration.