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Speaking generally, can nanotechnology be applied to superfund site cleanups? As it currently stands, our tools for cleaning up these chemicals are extremely cr

by xyst 6y ago

Speaking generally, can nanotechnology be applied to superfund site cleanups? As it currently stands, our tools for cleaning up these chemicals are extremely crude. Why can't we develop a nanobot that is able to detect the chemical in the soil or ocean and then break down or decompose that molecule?

webmaven 6y ago
> Speaking generally, can nanotechnology be applied to superfund site cleanups? As it currently stands, our tools for cleaning up these chemicals are extremely crude. > Why can't we develop a nanobot that is able to detect the chemical in the soil or ocean and then break down or decompose that molecule? We could, in theory, but a faster approach (that is already being used) is harnessing existing organisms. Bioremediation is an approach being actively researched, and recent advances in genetic engineering (eg. CRISPR) ought to help a lot. A search for "DDT bioremediation" will show you the research on this that is being done (not a huge amount, but progress is being made). There are probably some opportunities for B2G startups in this area.