The Dual Role of Nanomaterials in the Environment

Abstract

Undoubtedly, nanoparticles (NPs) are present in all areas: food, medicine, electronics, industries, and others. The extensive use of NPs has raised concerns about their environmental fate and potential risks. Conversely, NPs serve as important tools for environmental remediation, capable of degrading and reducing concentrations of various pollutants, including toxic metals and organic compounds. This dual role of NPs has motivated the present review, which aims to examine both their environmental remediation potential and possible environmental impacts, particularly particle transformations that may enhance or diminish their toxicity.