Promises and Pitfalls of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles for Water Purification: A Sustainable Innovation or a Hidden Hazard?

Ayah Tariq Abdulsalam  Omer; Amani  Al-Othman; Chun Kit Ang; Ching Yin Ng; Vienglasy  Mangnomek; Swee Pin Yeap

doi:10.37934/progee.30.1.2632

Authors

Ayah Tariq Abdulsalam Omer Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Technology and Built Environment, UCSI University, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Amani Al-Othman Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box 26666, United Arab Emirates
Chun Kit Ang Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Technology and Built Environment, UCSI University, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Ching Yin Ng (1) Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Technology and Built Environment, UCSI University, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; (2) UCSI-Cheras Low Carbon Innovation Hub Research Consortium, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Vienglasy Mangnomek Department of Environmental Technology, Faculty of Environmental Science, National University of Laos, Laos
Swee Pin Yeap (1) Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Technology and Built Environment, UCSI University, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; (2) UCSI-Cheras Low Carbon Innovation Hub Research Consortium, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37934/progee.30.1.2632

Keywords:

Water purification, Nanomaterials, Metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs), Nano-infused nets (NINs), Sustainability, Nanotoxicity

Abstract

Water, an indispensable resource in sustaining life, necessitates pursuing optimal purification processes amidst the rising concern of water insecurity. Technological advancements, particularly through integrating nanomaterials into separation technology, have made a significant leap in the area of water purification. This paper focuses on the application of metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) in separation technologies, and their incorporation into nano-infused nets (NINs), which showed significant enhancement to the filtration efficiency. While NINs hold significant promise for water solutions, concerns about potential environmental impact and health risks require further investigation and careful consideration. This opinion paper explores the benefits, challenges, public concerns and ethical considerations surrounding the use of MONPs in water purification, emphasising the need for responsible implementation and international regulations that facilitate their sustainable and ethical use in water purification.

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