Nanotechnological Solutions for Monitoring and Treatment of Drinking Water and Groundwater

Sensitive analytical methods for multi-residue monitoring of water pollutants are required to implement and verify compliance with environmental legislation. Advanced water quality monitoring techniques incorporating integrated biosensor, optical, microfluidic and information technologies can be expected to lead to significant changes in the way we control and manage aquatic environments. Traditional filtration methods used to purify drinking water and remove contaminants from wastewater are of limited effectiveness because of the relative inefficiency of the active materials employed. Because of their greater specific surface area, nanoparticles and nanoporous membranes are more efficient than conventional materials for water purification. Potential applications include provision of clean drinking water, remediation of contaminated aquifers and treatment of wastewater. The advantages and disadvantages of nanofiltration and phototocatalysis for the removal of organic and inorganic pollutants from water are discussed.

RICKERBY David; 

2009-11-23

The Environmental Institute

JRC53058

http://scholarworks.umass.edu/tei/,    https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC53058,