demonstrated throughout the book, nanotechnology has the potential to enhance the
performance and effectiveness of traditional remediation remedies by significantly
accelerating the rate of contaminant transformation owing to smaller particle sizes. It
can expand the spectrum of contaminant classes that can be treated as evidenced in
the ability of catalyst-doped nZVI to degrade chlorinated benzenes, whereas iron
powders and turnings are largely ineffective. Moreover, the diminution of particle
size can enable improved and targeted delivery of remedial agents to subsurface
contaminated areas that were previously difficult to reach or inaccessible. Nevertheless, against this largely optimistic backdrop, considerable work remains to fully
characterize and appropriately vet the efficacy of these novel nanomaterials, assess
the implications of their usage with respect to potential receptors, and conduct robust
cost-benefit analyses as many of these technologies lack track records of performance in the field.
Naturally, the book begins with a part (Part I) on reductive technologies, showcasing the standard-bearer nZVI, which now has been showcased in more than
100 field-scale demonstrations around the world. It contrasts the many variations
on nZVI with other reducing strategies (e.g., utilization of dithionate) and describes
significant new enhancements associated with the application of DC electric fields to
help drive nanoremediation agents through low-permeability subsurface formations
such as clays. Part II introduces new nano-oxidation technologies, including high
valence ferrates, which may provide exciting new water treatment applications. In
Part III, the Editors focus on the integration of nanotechnology into the biotreatment
of waters and groundwaters. The ex situ treatment of soils impacted by persistent
organic pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons using ligninolytic fungi
and enzymes is addressed in Part IV. The Editors shift gears with Part V and focus on
the implications of using nanoremediation—that is, they address the ecotoxicological impacts on receptors associated with the exposure to nanomaterials in the field.
Part VI ties together the overarching observations and conclusions of the spectrum of
nano- and nanobiotechnologies covered in the book and forecasts the future prospects of these technologies. Included is discussion on applications for emerging
contaminants, new regulatory developments, and how these technologies might fit
into new water security and quality strategies. I applaud the Editors,
Chapter Authors, and Subject Matter Experts on their contributions and earnestly
believe that this book will prove to be an invaluable reference for environmental
remediation researchers and practitioners alike.
Senior Consultant, Geosyntec
Consultants, Inc., Princeton, NJ, USA
10 May 2019
Daniel W. Elliott, Ph.D., BCEEM
vi
Foreword
performance and effectiveness of traditional remediation remedies by significantly
accelerating the rate of contaminant transformation owing to smaller particle sizes. It
can expand the spectrum of contaminant classes that can be treated as evidenced in
the ability of catalyst-doped nZVI to degrade chlorinated benzenes, whereas iron
powders and turnings are largely ineffective. Moreover, the diminution of particle
size can enable improved and targeted delivery of remedial agents to subsurface
contaminated areas that were previously difficult to reach or inaccessible. Nevertheless, against this largely optimistic backdrop, considerable work remains to fully
characterize and appropriately vet the efficacy of these novel nanomaterials, assess
the implications of their usage with respect to potential receptors, and conduct robust
cost-benefit analyses as many of these technologies lack track records of performance in the field.
Naturally, the book begins with a part (Part I) on reductive technologies, showcasing the standard-bearer nZVI, which now has been showcased in more than
100 field-scale demonstrations around the world. It contrasts the many variations
on nZVI with other reducing strategies (e.g., utilization of dithionate) and describes
significant new enhancements associated with the application of DC electric fields to
help drive nanoremediation agents through low-permeability subsurface formations
such as clays. Part II introduces new nano-oxidation technologies, including high
valence ferrates, which may provide exciting new water treatment applications. In
Part III, the Editors focus on the integration of nanotechnology into the biotreatment
of waters and groundwaters. The ex situ treatment of soils impacted by persistent
organic pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons using ligninolytic fungi
and enzymes is addressed in Part IV. The Editors shift gears with Part V and focus on
the implications of using nanoremediation—that is, they address the ecotoxicological impacts on receptors associated with the exposure to nanomaterials in the field.
Part VI ties together the overarching observations and conclusions of the spectrum of
nano- and nanobiotechnologies covered in the book and forecasts the future prospects of these technologies. Included is discussion on applications for emerging
contaminants, new regulatory developments, and how these technologies might fit
into new water security and quality strategies. I applaud the Editors,
Chapter Authors, and Subject Matter Experts on their contributions and earnestly
believe that this book will prove to be an invaluable reference for environmental
remediation researchers and practitioners alike.
Senior Consultant, Geosyntec
Consultants, Inc., Princeton, NJ, USA
10 May 2019
Daniel W. Elliott, Ph.D., BCEEM
vi
Foreword