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Nanotechnology utilizes principles and techniques from various fields of science that fabricate materials on the nanoscale to detect and provide alternate solutions. Heavy metal contamination of food and water is a major public health issue. The heavy metal nanoparticles are prominently seen in cooked food and stored in utensils that are recycled and manufactured from metal scraps. Utensils carry heavy metals like Pb, Ni, Cr, Cd, and Cu due to their deposition, which enhances their durability and corrosive resistivity. These heavy metal nanoparticles migrate from utensils to food over time; also, the temperature of food and pH can lead to the leaching of the utensils. The heavy metals accumulate in the body, causing adverse effects like disrupting metabolism, including cell mutations, and carcinogenic outcomes.
The contamination of food by these heavy metals can be significantly reduced using nanotechnology. Techniques like Raman Spectroscopy, Spectro fluorimetry, Atomic Absorption Spectrometry, Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, and fluorescent sensors are employed in quantifying heavy metals present even in traceable amounts.
Analysis and removal of these heavy metal contaminations can be carried out using nano sensors, magnetic nanoparticles, graphene, carbon nanotubes, and nanocomposite films. Target heavy metal traces are adsorbed by functionalized nanomaterials.
This study provides insight into the toxicity produced by the leaching of utensils and explores emerging nanotechnology methods to analyse and remove harmful heavy metals.
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