3. Role of Nanostructured Materials Toward Remediation of Heavy Metals/Metalloids

In recent scenarios, the development of nanotechnology with novel size, shape, and surface dependent properties has revealed incredible prospective for the treatment of environmental problems especially toxic heavy metals from contaminated water. As compared with traditional materials, a nanosized particle exhibits to a large extent efficiency and faster remediation rates in water treatment. Many kinds of nanomaterials such as carbon, nanometal/metal oxides, and polymer based have high selectivity and adsorption potential for the remediation of heavy metals/metalloids such as As⁵⁺, As³⁺, Pb²⁺, Cr³⁺, Cr⁶⁺, Hg²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cd²⁺, and Cu²⁺ from contaminated water. This chapter gives a widespread analysis on the enduring research and progress activities in the field of remediation of toxic heavy metals/metalloids from contaminated water by using nanomaterials in order to achieve environmental detoxification, using adsorption process. We have also discussed the essential aspects of heavy metals problems on environment; their effects on human health through polluted water are reviewed.