Given the importance of clean water to people, the potential application of nanoscience to solve technical challenges associated with the removal of water contaminants need to be more effective, efficient, durable, and affordable. Many water treatment devices which incorporate nanotechnology are already inthe market and others are in advanced stages of development. These nanotechnology applications include:
• Nanofiltration membranes, including desalination technologies

• Attapulgite clay, zeolite, and polymer filters

• Nanocatalysts;• Magnetic nanoparticles and

• Nanosensors for the detection of contaminants
Nanofiltration and Desalination

Nanofiltration membrane technology is already widely applied for removal of dissolved salts from salty water, removal of micro pollutants, water softening and wastewater treatment. Nanofiltration membranes selectively reject substances, which enables the removal of harmful pollutants and retention of nutrients present in water that are required for the normal functioning of the body. Nanofiltration (NF) membrane technology is widely applied for removal of dissolved salts (i.e., desalination) from salty (i.e., brackish) water, removal of micro pollutants (e.g., arsenic and cadmium), water softening (i.e., removal of calcium and magnesium ions) and wastewater treatment. It is expected that nanotechnology will contribute to improvements in membrane technology that will drive down the costs of desalination which is currently a significant impediment to wider adoption of desalination technology.

Nanofilter materials

Source materials for nanofilters include naturally occurring zeolites and attapulgite clays which can be manipulated on the nanoscale to allow for greater control over pore size of filter membranes. Researchers are also developing new classes of nanoporous polymeric materials that are more effective than conventional polymer filters.