Nanotechnology-Assisted Bioremediation: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Environmental Restoration

Abstract

Bioremediation is a promising approach for managing environmental contamination caused by various pollutants. However, traditional bioremediation techniques may not always be effective due to factors such as low microbial activity, slow degradation rates, and poor accessibility to contaminants. Therefore, the integration of nanotechnology in bioremediation has the potential to achieve both efficacy and sustainability in remediation efforts. Nano-materials can improve the adsorption and transportation of contaminants, increase microbial activity, and enable targeted delivery of bioremediation agents. The utilization of metal-based nano-materials, biogenic nano-particles, carbon-based, polymer-based, enzyme-based nano-particles, and various nanosensors has become crucial technology for bioremediation. This chapter discusses different types of nano-particles, their applications, and the detailed mechanisms of the bioremediation process. Hence, nano-materials can be used for bioremediation to eliminate toxic contaminants, resulting in reduced time consumption and costs, making it an advantageous solution. Additional study is needed to evaluate the potential environmental concerns associated with using nano-materials and to perceive their mechanisms in bioremediation. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025.