Use of Nanomaterial in Water Treatment; Challenges and Opportunity

Advances in nanotechnology cause that many researchers try to solve their problems by introducing the nanoscale science to their research area. Use of nanomaterial in environmental science is one of the most important research areas in all over the world. Membrane filtration is common processes for water purification which face the fouling problem as the most reducing factor of process efficiency. Nanoscale material is emerging to environmental engineering, especially water treatment, by concept of nanocatalysts, nanosorbents, nanostructure catalytic membranes and nanoparticles enhanced filtration. The objective of this paper is to provide drinking water utilities with information regarding to nano-science. There are many technical issue surrounded the nanomaterial. This paper was intended to touch on an array of topics including use of nonofiltration in water treatment highlighting the recent advances on the development of novel nanoscale materials and processes for treatment of surface water. In addition, we discuss the antimicrobial effects of nanomaterials for water disinfection and microbial control