Nanozymes: Promising frontiers in detection and nanoremediation of environmental pollutants

Environmental pollution, primarily caused by industrialization and intensive agriculture, poses a significant threat to both developed and developing nations. Pollution in the air, water, and soil is a pervasive problem that will take millions of years to rectify, with industrial activities and automobile emissions being major contributors. Nanoremediation, a new and advanced approach to environmental cleanup, has gained substantial attention due to its efficiency and sustainability. Amongst the emerging nanomaterials used in this field, nanozymes have shown immense potential, due to their enzyme-like high catalytic activity, stability, cost-effective synthesis, and reusability. Collectively, these features make them well-suited for detection and remediation of a wide range of environmental pollutants. This review provides a concise overview of nanozyme synthesis and applications, focusing on the nanozymes’ ability to detect metal ions and remove pollutants. We also explore current challenges associated with the development and use of nanozymes, including specificity limitations. We highlight the role of computational approaches in advancing nanozyme-based environmental remediation through improved, streamlined, and accurate nanozyme design and in silico testing. We conclude with a discussion of the broader potential of nanozyme research in environmental management and nanotechnology advancements in support of reclaiming a healthy environment.