Nanotechnology for Sustainable Waste Management and Ecosystem Restoration: Applications, Innovations, Ecosystem Services and Disservices, and Contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Around the world, the human population is increasing rapidly, and demand for essential commodities and finished products is rising daily. Their uncontrolled usage of consumer goods generates considerable waste, ultimately impacting the global environment and the sustainability of natural resources. Nanotechnology has emerged as a versatile platform capable of delivering efficient, effective, economical, and eco-friendly solutions for green waste management. Current thematic research trends in material science highlight the growing application of engineered nanomaterials, including nanocomposites and functionalized nanoparticles, as high-performance sustainable adsorbents for targeted pollutant removal. Advances in Nano Engineering further demonstrate the precision fabrication of nano-catalysts and nano-enabled remediation systems for scalable ecosystem restoration. This is because nanomaterials with high surface-to-volume ratios can efficiently absorb and remediate pollutants, helping restore polluted ecosystems. In addition, nanomaterials can catalyze the conversion of toxic gases, heavy metals, and many other inorganic and organic contaminants into non-hazardous substances. Nanotechnology is one of the most promising technologies for recycling and managing waste. Nanotechnology has the potential to provide a range of ecosystem services. It addresses several of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and 13 (Climate Action). These goals are all related to improving people's lives and protecting the planet, which are key aims of the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This review provides an overview of nanotechnology applications in waste management and ecosystem restoration. Additionally, it examines the perspectives on future challenges. It provides technical details on how nanotechnology helps resolve various environmental issues.