Research progress and mechanism of nanomaterials-mediated in-situ remediation of cadmium-contaminated soil: A critical review

Abstract Cadmium contamination of soil is a global issue and in-situ remediation technology as a promising mitigation strategy has attracted more and more attention. Many nanomaterials have been applied for the in-situ remediation of cadmium-contaminated soil due to their excellent properties of the nano-scale size effect. In this work, recent research progress of various nanomaterials, including carbon nanomaterials, metal-based nanomaterials and nano mineral materials, in the removal of cadmium and in-situ remediation of cadmium-contaminated soil were systematically discussed. Additional emphases were particularly laid on both laboratory and field restoration effects. Moreover, the factors which can affect the stability of cadmium, main interaction mechanisms between nanomaterials and cadmium in the soil, and potential future research direction were also provided. Therefore, it is believed that this work will ultimately contribute to the myriad of environmental cleanup advances, and further improve human health and sustainable development.