ABSTRACT
Currently, thousands of metric tons of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are delivered to the ecosystems after they have accomplished their useful life or even before. These ecosystems harbor millions of microorganisms, plants, and non-living components interacting as a system, which nanosized materials could jeopardize with unique properties and characteristics. However, ENMs 44could also be an option to dissipate, degrade, or adsorb pollutants, i.e., ENMs could be a risk and a solution to different human and environmental issues. Nanotechnology could shape sustainable development by pursuing sustainable development goals, but it could also hamper them. Therefore, this chapter discusses new strategies regarding cutting-edge nanobiotechnologies for the dissipation of pollutants from soil, water, or air developed at the laboratory and field scale. Phytoremediation, bioaugmentation, and biostimulation technologies work together with plants, bacteria, fungi, and other organisms. Alongside bionanomaterials, nanobiohybrids, smart materials, and nanomachines are the technological bet for developing sustainable technologies for environmental remediation. Consequently, eco-friendly, cheap, and easily manufactured nanotechnologies have attracted attention during the last years. However, the release of new developments with remediation efficiencies never seen before, reduced costs, and no human or environmental risks is still pending.
