Abstract

Environmental pollution has emerged as one of the most critical global challenges due to rapid industrial growth, urbanization, agricultural intensification, and unsustainable resource exploitation. Conventional remediation technologies such as physical removal, chemical treatment, and biological degradation often suffer from limitations including incomplete pollutant removal, high operational costs, generation of secondary waste, and long remediation timeframes. In this context, nanotechnology has gained significant attention as a promising and sustainable approach for environmental remediation. Nanotechnology involves the manipulation of materials at the nanoscale (1-100nm), where unique physicochemical properties such as high surface area, enhanced reactivity, and tunable surface functionality are observed. These properties enable nanomaterial’s to efficiently remove, degrade, or immobilize contaminants present in soil, water, and air environments. Various nanomaterials, including carbon-based nanomaterials, metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, polymeric nanocomposites, and zero-valent iron nanoparticles, have demonstrated remarkable efficiency in addressing diverse environmental pollutants such as heavy metals, dyes, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and persistent organic pollutants. The integration of nanotechnology with sustainability principles has further strengthened its relevance by promoting green synthesis methods, reducing energy consumption, and minimizing environmental risks. Nanotechnology-based remediation strategies offer advantages such as faster reaction rates, reduced chemical usage, lower sludge production, and improved contaminant selectivity. Despite its vast potential, the widespread application of nanotechnology in environmental remediation also raises concerns regarding nanoparticle toxicity, environmental persistence, and regulatory challenges. Therefore, careful assessment of environmental impacts and responsible implementation are essential. This paper examines the role of nanotechnology in sustainable environmental remediation by discussing types of nanomaterials, remediation mechanisms, applications, methodological approaches, supporting data, advantages, challenges, and future prospects, emphasizing its contribution toward achieving long-term environmental sustainability.