Nanoparticles for Remediation: Solving Big Problems with Little Particles

Remediation with engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) promises more effective and cheaper approaches than conventional methods due to the increased reactivity of nanoparticles and the possibility of in situ treatment. Three examples of the use of ENMs in soil remediation are nanoscale zero-valent iron for the degradation of halogenated organic compounds, nanoscale calcium peroxide for the destruction of organics (e.g. gasoline) and nanoscale metal oxides for the adsorption of metals. However, these methods are very new, and more research is needed on the mobility of ENMs in the soil and their impact on the environment.