Nanotechnology refers to the fields of science and engineering in which phenomena occurring at nano-scale scales are used in the design, characterization, manufacture, and application of materials, structures, devices, and systems.

Green nanotechnology is the application of nanotechnology to improve the environmental sustainability of processes that have adverse effects on the environment. It also refers to the usage of nanotechnology products to improve sustainability.
Green nanotechnology is the synthesizing of nanomaterials from natural bioactive agents such as plant materials, microbes, and diverse bio wastes such as agricultural leftovers, vegetable trash, fruit peels, and so on, followed by the use of nano-products to improve sustainability. It is a low-cost, simple, safe, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly approach. Green nanotechnology is a crucial component of clean technologies that strive to restore the environment and transform additional bioactive products into green nanomaterials, which are more lucrative and environmentally beneficial.
The adequate availability of resources has become limited as the global human population has grown. The development of pollution-free technology for environmental remediation and clean energy supplies for human society's long-term progress is critical. Nanotechnology has the potential to significantly impact the development of 'cleaner' and 'greener' technologies with major health and sustainability gains. Nanotechnology applications are being investigated for their potential to give solutions to control, mitigate, and clean-up air, water, and land pollution, as well as to improve the performance of existing environmental clean-up methods.

The green nanotechnology can be used to realize thirteen out of seventeen sustainable development goals SDGs including Reduce Poverty, Reduce Hunger, Health & Well-Being, Clean Water & Sanitation, Affordable renewable energy, Sustainable Industrialization, Ensure Sustainable Production & Consumption, Combat on Climate Change, Conserve Ocean & Marine Resources, and Protect life on Land.

Objectives And Applications of Green Technology


Challenges to Green Nano technology

The opportunities provided by nanomaterials for green economy solutions must be evaluated against a number of practical hurdles, crucial environmental and social issues, and human health and safety considerations. One of the most significant obstacles in green nanotechnology is the cost and potential danger connected with development
Potential environmental harm through this technology includes

  • High energy demand as the result of high energy requirements for synthesizing nanoparticles
  • Lower rates of recovery and recycling
  • Dissemination of toxic, persistent nano substances originating environmental harm
  • Lack of trained engineers and worker.

Nanomaterials may have significant, yet undiscovered, hazardous effects due to their unique physicochemical features, which can pose dangers to a wide spectrum of individuals who may be exposed throughout the NMs' total existence. As a result, scientific research, technological, governmental, and workforce efforts should be concentrated in order to thoroughly describe the hazardous impact of NMs in order to arrive at an adequate risk assessment.

About the Author: Tehziba Raza is a student of MPhil in 'Environmental Science' at Government College University Faisalabad, Pakistan.