Nanotechnology in Water Quality: Assessment Application for Microbial Detection and Control

Evaluation of water quality is critical for assuring the safety of drinking water, especially with the increasing incidence of microbiological pollutants. Traditional microbial detection and control methods, while successful, are time-consuming and may lack the sensitivity needed to detect infections at low concentrations. Nanotechnology has emerged as a significant tool in this field, providing novel approaches to quick pathogen identification and efficient disinfection. This review provides an overview of the latest developments in nanotechnology for assessing water quality, with a focus on nanosensors and nanomaterials. Nanosensors, such as gold nanoparticles, quantum dots, and magnetic nanoparticles, detect pathogens with great sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, nanoparticle-based disinfection systems that use materials such as silver, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide nanoparticles have shown high antibacterial activity. Nanocomposite membranes loaded with nanoparticles improve water filtration by both eliminating and inactivating microorganisms. Despite the potential of these technologies, issues including cost, scalability, and environmental safety must be addressed. This review indicates that nanotechnology has the potential to transform water quality monitoring and treatment by making it more efficient and accessible, especially in areas where clean water is rare.