Green Nanotechnology from Natural Minerals: Advancing Low-Cost Solutions for Environmental Remediation

The field of environmental science is increasingly focused on the challenge of mitigating chemical pollutants resulting from industrialization, urbanization, and lifestyle changes. This contamination, exacerbated by the persistence and accumulation of substances that resist natural degradation, poses risks to ecosystems and public health. Traditionally, nanomaterials (NMs) have been deployed effectively in remediation processes such as oxidation, adsorption, filtration, and bioremediation to remove these pollutants. Despite their benefits, concerns over toxicity, cost, and scalability of NMs—often infused with heavy metals or modified with hazardous organic chemicals—highlight the need for greener alternatives. Thus, natural mineral-derived nanomaterials (NMNM), such as clays, zeolites, and iron oxides, have emerged as promising candidates, valued for their abundance, cost-effectiveness, and feasibility for large-scale applications.This Research Topic aims to propel the investigation of NMNMs, aiming to overcome challenges and enhance their role in environmental remediation. Key objectives include assessing the efficiency of NMNM in pollutant removal across diverse media and exploring modifications to improve their stability and performance under various remediation techniques. Addressing these aspects can unlock new, economically viable, and environmentally benign methods for pollution management, which align with the broader goals of sustainable development.We will accept all article types. To gather further insights within the realm of natural mineral-derived nanomaterials for environmental remediation, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Performance assessment of NMNM in removing contaminants from varied environments• Modification strategies for enhancing NMNM stability and efficiency• Toxicity evaluation of by-products generated post-remediation• Comprehensive characterization of NMNM using advanced analytical techniques• Development of innovative methods incorporating NMNMs into current remediation processes Topic editors: Chuanjia Jiang, Mohd Rafatullah Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79336/green-nanotechnology-from-natural-minerals-advancing-low-cost-solutions-for-environmental-remediation