Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Expansive potential markets for environmental nanotechnology ("E-nano")
products already exist for a wide array of urgently needed environmental
remedial applications, some of which appear to have requirements that are
approaching critical levels. Indeed, it can be considered as essential that
innovative and robust nanotechnology-based remedial technologies be developed
as rapidly as is possible in order to assure our continued well-being, if not
our very survival long-term.
Conventional environmental remedial solutions seem to be relatively
ineffectual in the face of currently extensive and expanding pollutant loads
that permeate the air, water, and soil environments. This has been repeatedly
evidenced by the limited successes seen, in response to addressing recent
large-scale cleanup challenges. Nanotechnologies dedicated to environmental
cleanup may evolve to levels of sophistication and efficiency such that
contaminant-affected areas might very well be "engineered" back to their
original integrity; so as to perhaps "reset" the conditions for the
restoration of their delicate balance.
SCOPE OF STUDY
This report contains:
Four primary sections:
- a) Environmental Remediation,
- b) Environmental Protection,
- c) Environmental Maintenance, and
- d) Environmental Enhancement.
- The details involved in driving product demand within this vast untapped
market, in conjunction with trends, potential sales, and forecasts for various
market sectors through 2010.
- Investigations to elucidate current research efforts, as well as the
characterization and quantification of developing environmental
nanotechnologies already poised to enter the marketplace.
- Manufacturers involved with the production of these nanotechnologies,
along with their anticipated product volumes, demonstrating how these advances
might impact specific environmental market segments.
METHODOLOGY
The methodology involved in the compilation of this report included extensive
literature searches, assimilation and distillation of environmentally related
nanotechnology research. Where clarification or additional information was
required to further elucidate specific technologies, individual researchers
were contacted. Companies were consulted when a more in-depth description of
their processes, products and perceived markets was warranted.
Relative to the sections of the report that explore potential nanotechnologies
for environment policies, laws, and safety concerns, hundreds of emails were
sent out internationally to survey individuals involved in these areas. This
strategy was employed to gain a clearer picture and cross-disciplinary
understanding of these domains, and to glean various perceptions of
environmentally applied nanotechnologies via respondent opinions, comments and
perspectives. These individuals included international government environment
officials, scientists and research experts, politicians, environmental lawyers
and lawmakers, business leaders, as well as individuals from several prominent
international environmental groups.
INFORMATION SOURCES
The majority of information sources used in this report were derived from
online literature searches, journal-published scientific papers, editorials,
news articles, and government as well as global environmental agency
databases, reports and briefings. Numerous books and magazines were consulted
for relevant technological information, or for background sections.
Researchers considered as experts in their respective fields and nanomaterials
companies were also consulted.
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