Bveledzani Pertunia Makhado

South Africa is faced with many social development challenges such as safe water, clean energy and delivery of health services. With the increase in population, comes an increase in the demand for clean water. Currently, researchers are considering the application of nanostructured materials for water purification processes. Nanomaterials have gained significant attention in water treatment applications because of the benefits they offer. They can transform the filtration process towards cleaner and safer drinking water by removing numerous impurities. 

Nanomaterials are tiny particles, often smaller than the width of a human hair. Their size is measured in nanometers—a billionth of a meter. This minute size gives them unique properties, making them incredibly effective in water treatment. For instance, their large surface area relative to their volume allows them to capture and neutralize harmful contaminants in water, including heavy metals, bacteria, and viruses with greater efficiency than traditional methods such as chlorination, Ozonation, UV radiation. These nanomaterials can adsorb and eliminate contaminants from water, resulting in cleaner and safer water. In addition, nanotechnology can be used to construct improved filtration systems capable of removing even microscopic particles and germs from wastewater. 

Despite their impressive benefits, nanomaterials come with significant safety concerns. One of the primary concerns is that these tiny particles might be released from the filtration membranes and enter the water supply, which could be dangerous if the materials are toxic. The possibility of these nanomaterials being released during the filtration process poses a health concern due to the knowledge gap regarding the toxicity of nanomaterials to humans and other organisms. 

Reports have shown that some nanomaterials are hazardous, while others are not. The toxicity of nanomaterials is influenced by their chemical composition. Understanding the toxic effects of these nanomaterials is crucial for understanding associated risks and formulating appropriate regulations and guidelines for their safe application and monitoring in wastewater treatment.

Scientists often overlook the side effects of the use of nanomaterials in water filtration processes, but it is essential to avoid secondary pollution. There has been a lack of research in this area, possibly due to the focus on short-term experiments performed on membranes that have not yet been applied at a commercial scale. Therefore, the research focus may need to shift to studying the release of nanoparticles from water filtration membranes, as well as the resulting environmental effects and risks to human health once these membranes are commercialized. 

To address these concerns, scientists and regulatory agencies are working to develop guidelines for the safe use of nanomaterials in water treatment. They use advanced techniques such as mass spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectrometry, and electron microscopy to study how these nanomaterials interact with pollutants and detect any potential leakage of nanoparticles into the filtered water and their toxic effect on human health and the environment. Organizations such as the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) are involved in setting safety standards. These standards help ensure that any exposure to nanoparticles remains within safe limits, protecting public health. 

Understanding the toxicological effects of nanomaterials is important for implementing and monitoring their use in various industries. This helps ensure their safe utilization and minimizes potential adverse effects. Understanding these effects also plays a key role in developing safer and more efficient methods for incorporating these materials into wastewater treatment processes. Continued research and regulation are crucial in ensuring the safe and responsible use of nanomaterials. As our understanding of the potential risks and benefits of these materials deepens, we can develop more effective and safer water treatment solutions. Through responsible research and regulation, we can fully exploit the potential of nanotechnology, creating a safer and healthier future for everyone. My research examines the release of nanomaterials from water filtration membranes during membrane fabrication, cleaning, and water filtration and how they can be optimized for safer and more efficient water treatment. We also investigate the toxicological effects of these nanomaterials on human health using in vitro studies. This work aims to contribute to the development of safer and more effective water treatment technologies that harness the benefits of nanomaterials while mitigating their risks.