In the article “Duo turned plastic waste into concrete”, Goy (2016) claims that scientists from BlueRen have come up with new and innovative 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 very limited, due to the high costs 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 like 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 superior 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 many ways, and it can prove to be extremely advantageous in areas where many other resolutions 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 extremely 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 nano particles, 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 improve, 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
Last edited, 26 Oct 2017
1 comment:
Thank you, Yong Quan, for revising this.
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