In the article “Duo
turned plastic waste into concrete”, Goy (2016) claims that scientists from
BlueRen have come up with a way to transfigure plastic wastes into carbon
nanotubes. Carbon nanotubes can be utilized as an additive to concrete, to
reduce the use of cement. Traditional methods of producing carbon nanotubes are
extremely limited, due to the high expenses and the creation of toxic gases.
BlueRen however, has innovated a new way of production that is much more
environmentally sustainable and it hopes to commercialise their new technology.
Nanotechnology can be
used in more ways than one, and such advancements will benefit the environment
tremendously.
As mentioned, nanotechnology can be used in many ways apart
from implementing it as an addition to concrete to reduce cement. For instance,
from the article “Environmental Effects of Nanotechnology”, doctor Battachara
(2012) states that nanotechnology has come up with enhanced solutions to
various environmental issues, mainly regarding the field of water quality and
drinkability. Nano technology can tackle problems such as the inadequacy of
clean drinking water and the highly contaminated waters.
Prevailing method of purifications through chemical treatment
is extremely pricey, and is damaging to the environment. Scientists hence turn
to nanotechnology as an alternative to resolve the issue, as they can detect
pollutants, treating contaminants and preventing pollution.
On top of that, the article “Nanotechnology and the
Environment” from www.nanowerk.com (N.A.)
explains that nanotechnology can also be used in an abundance of ways, such as
cleaning of oil spills, and allowing batteries to be recycled more efficiently.
From the above examples, we can ascertain that nanotechnology
can indeed be beneficial to the environment in more ways than one, and it can
prove to be extremely advantageous in areas where many other solutions are
incapable of. Thus, there should be more emphasis and attention on companies
like BlueRen, which are capable of speeding up the development and production
of nanotechnology.
The boon that nanotechnology presents is prominent. However,
it does come with drawbacks as well. Firstly, as mentioned in the article, the process
of upcycling plastics of nanotubes produces toxic gases. Even though BlueRen’s
efforts helped in minimising the amount, the exact difference of toxic gas
being produced is not acknowledged. Hence, even with BlueRen’s new technology,
the rate of toxic gas being created could continue to be alarming.
On top of that, an article “Environmental Impacts of
Nanotechnology and Its Products”, by Zhang (2011) also discusses other
shortcomings of nanotechnology, such as high energy is needed to produce
nanoparticles, resulting in huge increase in demand for energy.
There is no questioning the reality that nanotechnology can
bring upon a brighter and much more sustainable environment in the world, as
the benefits they bring with them is undeniable. However, the fact that they
come with their own sets of disadvantages makes it questionable whether the
boons they provide outweighs their banes or not. However, nanotechnology will
continue to develop without any doubts. It may eventually progress into becoming
a technology that the environment cannot do without.
References
Battachara, P.
(2012). Environmental Effects of Nanotechnology.
https://www.azonano.com. Retrieved September 2017, from
https://www.azonano.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=3096
Goy, P. (2016). Duo
turn plastic waste into a concrete idea. http://www.straitstimes.com.
Retrieved September 2017, from
http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/duo-turn-plastic-waste-into-a-concrete-idea
(N.A.). Nanotechnology
and the Environment. https://www.nanowerk.com. Retrieved September 2017,
from https://www.nanowerk.com/nanotechnology-and-the-environment.php
ZHANG, B. (2011). Environmental
Impacts of Nanotechnology and Its Products. https://www.asee.org.
Retrieved September 2017, from
https://www.asee.org/documents/sections/midwest/2011/ASEE-MIDWEST_0030_c25dbf.pdf
Edited 10 Oct 2017
