Nanotechnology for Water Technology

The emergence of nanobiotechnology and the incorporation of living microorganisms in biomicroelectronic devices are revolutionizing interdisciplinary opportunities for microbiologists and biotechnologists to participate in understanding microbial processes in and from the environment. Moreover, it offers revolutionary perspectives to develop and exploit these processes in completely new ways.

This short course presents an opportunity to learn and discuss about various innovative research aspects of nanoscience and nanotechnology interfacing with environmental chemistry, environmental engineering and bioprocess technology amongst professionals as well as young researchers and PhD students.

This short course overviews innovative applications of nanotechnology for water and wastewater treatment, with an emphasis on environmental nanobiotechnology. Presentations will be given by leading scientists on nanotechnology and water/wastewater treatment; Effective, High-Performance Water and Wastewater Purification Systems; Nanomanufacturing: Materials Design and Production and Nanoparticles that sense and treat disease.

Day 1 – Introduction

• Nanoparticles and water.
• Responsible use of nanomaterials: an industry point of view.
• NanoNed and the Netherlands Nano Initiatives.
• Policy aspects of innovation.

Day 2 - Characterisation of Nanomaterials

• Analytical techniques for characterisation of nanomaterials.

Day 3 – Effective, High-Performance Water and Wastewater Purification Systems

• Nano and micro engineered membrane technology.
• Applications of nanotechnology for drinking water.
• Biocatalysts for reductive treatment of water contaminated with priority pollutants.
• Video conferencing with Asian Institute of Technology nanotechnology laboratory.

Day 4 – Bionanotechnology and Nanomanufacturing

• Virus-based single-enzyme nanoreactors.
• Measurement of bacterial-particle interactions with atomic force microscopy.
• Bioremediation: from environmental processes to production of functional bionanominerals.
• Microbial manufacture of silver nanoparticles for water disinfection.
• Microbial manufacture of chalcogen nanoparticles and quantum dots.