Sustainable Nanotechnology for Environmental Remediation provides a single-source solution to researchers working in environmental, wastewater management, biological and composite nanomaterials applications. It addresses the potential environmental risks and uncertainties surrounding the use of nanomaterials for environmental remediation, giving an understanding of their impact on ecological receptors in addition to their potential benefits. Users will find comprehensive information on the application of state-of-the-art processes currently available to synthesize advanced green nanocomposite materials and biogenic nanomaterials. Other sections explore a wide range of promising approaches for green nanotechnologies and nanocomposites preparations. Case study chapters connect materials engineering and technology to the social context for a sustainable environment. Applications and different case studies provide solutions to the challenges faced by industry, thus minimizing negative social impacts.

Presently, energy and the environment are closely related issues throughout the world. The indiscriminate use of fossil fuels has resulted in adverse effects on the environment (i.e, excessive production of greenhouse gases, pollution of underground and superficial waters, soil contamination). The international reserves of crude oil are declining, and some pessimistic references refer to an important detriment in the annual oil availability for 2050. Because of these facts, the necessity to develop novel sources of energy, especially fuels from sustainable sources, is mandatory. Such alternative sources of energy (ie: wind, solar, biomass, hydraulic) are potential renewable sources capable of changing the paradigm of productive activities around the world. In many cases, the energy production processes include resources commonly available or even the use of materials that are considered waste (ie: wastewaters, agriculture residues, urban solid wastes). Despite all the desirable characteristics involved, the processes included in the generation of renewable energy may not only positively impact the environment, but may also cause harm on surrounding areas. However, to our knowledge, relatively few works have been published carrying out this type of environmental cost-benefit analysis.

The cost of cleaning up water and soil leads to the same undeniable conclusion: Existing models of industrial development are simply not sustainable from an ecological view point and they cost a lot of money in purely economic terms. Mexico is no exemption to this general rule and soil and groundwater contamination are neither here, nor in other Latin American countries a new or emerging issue. As an oil exporting nation, Mexico, historically has paid major attention to hydrocarbon contamination and its implications for the environment, especially when its impact was related to drinking water safety and public health criteria. It is only more recently, that a more generic and holistic approach has emerged, which has included other industrial sectors and their environmental liabilities. This new approach is directed towards the government's and private industry's extended obligation and responsibility in mega-site remediation, brown-field re-vitalisation and the re-urbanisation of degraded land. This book arose from the scientific interest and the environmental preoccupation of researchers and governmental representatives alike. They provide a concise overview of concepts and remediation/sanitation technologies available today. At the same time they bear witness to the wealth of solutions available in order to tackle the inherent and very serious problem of environmental degradation in Mexico.