Removal of engineered nanoparticles in drinking water treatment processes

Nanotechnology has brought a large number of engineered nanomaterials and nanoparticles to applications in multiple daily products and in almost every sector of society. The many advantages that this relatively new science has brought to our daily life are evident, but still little is known on the potential environmental and human risk posed by nanotechnology applications. Particularly, the potential release into aquatic environment of these new potential pollutants raises concerns on the security of resources used for drinking water production. It can also create significant challenges to water treatment facilities in terms of operational optimization and proper process control. This thesis investigates the removal and removal mechanisms of engineered nanomaterials and nanoparticles in simulated drinking water treatment plants. It focuses on how engineered nanomaterials and nanoparticles affect process performances and which treatments are best to follow for their removal.