In the article “Duo turned plastic waste into concrete”, Goy
(2016) claims that scientists from BlueRen have come up with a way to transform
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 its new technology. Nanotechnology can be used in various ways
that would benefit the environment that were not mentioned by the author.
Nanotechnology has come up with enhanced solutions to
various environmental issues, mainly regarding the field of water quality and
drinkability. Battachara (2012) states that nanotechnology can solve problems
such as the inadequacy of clean drinking water and the highly contaminated
waters. Prevailing method of purification of water 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, treat contaminants and prevent pollution. As such,
nanotechnology proves to be a better suited solution to the issue of water purification.
Another example of how nanotechnology can be beneficial to
the environment is how it can also be used in to clean oil spills efficiently. The
article “Nanotechnology and the Environment” explains that current methods of
cleaning oil spills include the usage of sorbents and chemical dispersants.
However, said methods are not adequate to clear up massive oil spills.
Nanotechnology on the other hand are capable of clearing up bigger oil spills
with the help of nano wire membrane and carbon nano structures. Hence, solutions
developed from nanotechnology are much more effective in comparison.
From the above examples, it is clear 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 can speed up the development of nanotechnology, and the
production of solutions and products based off nanotechnology.
The boon that nanotechnology presents is prominent. However,
it does come with drawbacks as well. Firstly, as mentioned in Goy’s article,
the process of upcycling plastics to nanotubes produces toxic gases. Even
though BlueRen’s efforts helped in minimising the amount, the exact difference
of toxic gas being produced has not been acknowledged. Hence, even with
BlueRen’s new technology, the rate of toxic gas being created could continue to
be alarming. Moreover, Zhang (2011) also discusses other shortcomings of
nanotechnology, such as the high energy that is needed to produce
nanoparticles, resulting in huge increase in demand for energy.
There is no questioning the reality that nanotechnology can
bring forth a much more sustainable environment in the world, and the benefits
that it brings are apparent. Furthermore, Nanotechnology will continue to
develop, and it may eventually progress into becoming a technology that the
environment cannot do without.
References
Battachara, P. (2012). Environmental Effects of
Nanotechnology. Azonano.
Retrieved September 2017, from https://www.azonano.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=3096
Goy, P. (2016). Duo turn plastic waste into a concrete
idea. The Straits Times.
Retrieved September 2017, from http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/duo-turn-plastic-waste-into-a-concrete-idea
Zhang, B. (2011). Environmental Impacts of
Nanotechnology and Its Products.
Retrieved September 2017, from https://www.asee.org/documents/sections/midwest/2011/ASEE-MIDWEST_0030_c25dbf.pdf
Nanowerk (n.a.). Nanotechnology and the
Environment.
Retrieved September 2017, from https://www.nanowerk.com/nanotechnology-and-the-environment.php
Final draft, edited 13 Oct 2017
Edited 26 Oct 2017
Edited 26 Oct 2017
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