Effect of engineered nanomaterials on biological wastewater treatment — a review

Abstract:

Engineered nanomaterials are widely used in industries and daily life due to their unique physical and chemical properties. However, comprehensive and systematic reports concerning the possible impacts of nanomaterials on wastewater treatment microorganisms are limited. Therefore, this review summarizes the potential influences of widely used nanomaterials on wastewater biological treatment, such as biological removal of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, methanation, and functional microbial communities. Also, two approaches to reduce the toxicity of silver nanoparticles are discussed. The results of this review provide an important theoretical basis on further investigation of the potential effects of nanomaterials on biological sewage treatment.