Green Nanomaterials for Environmental Remediation Applications

The rapid increase in environmental pollutants, such as heavy metals, organic dyes, pesticides, and emerging contaminants, has necessitated the development of advanced remediation techniques. Conventional treatment methods often fall short because of inefficiency, cost, and secondary pollution issues. Green nanotechnology, which uses eco-friendly synthesis routes to fabricate functional nanomaterials, has emerged as a promising alternative method. This review critically analyzes various green synthesis methods, the physicochemical characteristics of nanomaterials, their remediation mechanisms (adsorption, photocatalysis, redox reactions, and antimicrobial activity), and their applications in water, soil, and air purification. Challenges, environmental risk assessment, life cycle considerations, and future research directions are also discussed. The review concludes that green nanomaterials hold significant promise for sustainable environmental remediation; however, further studies on scalability and ecological safety are required.