Nanotechnology In Water: Societal, Ethical, And Environmental Considerations

Potable water is a threatened but critical resource, the scarcity of which is devastating for the developing world. Water-related nanotechnology research has the potential to make safe drinking water inexpensive and accessible to developing countries. This technology also can improve the water infrastructure in developed nations. However, it is imperative that the technology is, first, sustainable and, second, is acceptable by the societies it will serve. This chapter discusses both these issues and addresses what should be considered by researchers and policymakers in the advent of this rapidly developing technology to ensure its responsible development and deployment. Responsible development-including the best use of resources, consideration of societal concerns, and investigation of potential environmental effects-starts in the early stages of research. As the research moves into the development stage, issues of access and parity-including patent and copyright issues and access to the technology-become controversial. Finally, public engagement is necessary to ensure overall acceptance of exotic techniques and novel treatment technologies. Public engagement demands an approach appropriate to both the society as well as the technology, and as such, a relevant case-specific strategy must be developed to coincide with the introduction of new water treatment technologies.