Abstract
Water pollution from emerging contaminants such as pharmaceuticals, heavy metals,
and microplastics poses significant environmental and health risks. Conventional treatment
methods often fail to effectively remove these pollutants, prompting the use of
nanomaterials in wastewater treatment. Functional nanomaterials, including metalbased
nanoparticles (e.g. TiO₂, ZnO, Fe₃O₄), carbon-based structures (eg, graphene
oxide, carbon nanotubes), and polymeric nanocomposites, exhibit high adsorption,
catalytic degradation, and filtration capabilities. However, concerns over their lifecycle
fate, toxicity, and environmental persistence remain largely unaddressed. His review
explores the production, application, and disposal of nanomaterials, highlighting their
environmental impact and post-treatment risks such as bioaccumulation and ecosystem
disruption. Additionally, it examines toxicity mechanisms, human and ecological exposure
pathways, and end regulatory challenges in ensuring the safe deployment of
nanotechnology in water treatment. Suitable solutions, including green synthesis, lifecycle
assessments, and regulatory frameworks, are discussed to mitigate potential risks.
Future research should prioritize long-term toxicity studies, improved monitoring strategies,
and circular economic approaches to enhance nanomaterial sustainability.
Addressing these challenges is essential to harness nanotechnology’s full potential
while ensuring environmental and human safety in wastewater treatment.