Nanomateriály a ich využitie v environmentálnych technológiách/Nanomaterials and their Application in Environmental Technology

Global deterioration in environmental quality from continuous anthropogenic activity is the impetus for innovations in conventional environmental technology. Nanotechnology provides a promising opportunity to revolutionise environmental remediation techniques, produce sustainable devices for effective alternative energy sources and perform safe industrial technology. Nanotechnology uses the special properties of nanoscale materials or particles such as high surface area, firmness, low weight, small size and the ability to catalyse and to penetrate cell membranes. Innovative technology based on nanomaterials can bring significant cost and time reduction, decreased or no adverse effects on the environment and more effective methods. Despite such promising expectations, the nanotechnology, and especially environmental technology, used in remediation techniques have not been applied as rapidly as desired. This may have been because of worries about nanomaterials’ ultimate effects following their release into the environment. This paper provides a brief overview of the benefits and possible threats of nanomaterials introduced in environmental technology.