The need for technological innovation to enable integrated water management
cannot be overstated. Nanotechnology holds great potential in advancing water and
wastewater treatment to improve treatment efficiency as well as to augment water supply
through safe use of unconventional water sources. Here we review recent development in
nanotechnology for water and wastewater treatment. The discussion covers candidate
nanomaterials, properties and mechanisms that enable the applications, advantages and
limitations as compared to existing processes, and barriers and research needs for
commercialization. By tracing these technological advances to the physicochemical
properties of nanomaterials, the present review outlines the opportunities and limitations
to further capitalize on these unique properties for sustainable water management.