Binding Pollutants

The problem is that modern life produces pollution – whether from exhaust fumes, chemical plants or fertilisers in the soil. However, many ‘natural’ pollutants also exist. Many existing technologies fail to cope with these problems, however new nanomaterials can be manufactured which can bind to these pollutants and then be mopped up (as you would use a sponge to mop-up spilled water). For example, arsenic in groundwater is at levels above safety limits set by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in many countries, such as Bangladesh.

There is no conventional method which can reduce levels below recommended limits. However, a new system in development by Rice University uses magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles which bind more than 99% of the arsenic present , and can then be removed from water by applying a magnetic field.