The increasing demand for clean water, coupled with the declining reliability of conventional water sources, has intensified the need for alternative and sustainable treatment solutions, particularly in rural communities. This study explored the potential of nanotechnology as an approach for treating contaminated surface and alternative water sources. A systematic literature review, guided by the PRISMA principles, was conducted to examine studies published between 2015 and 2025. The review identified four main nanotechnology-based treatment techniques: membrane separation, adsorption, catalysis, and multifunctional nanomaterials. Adsorption and membrane separation were found to be the most commonly applied methods for removing heavy metals and organic pollutants, while catalytic processes were mainly used for disinfection and contaminant degradation. The findings also show a growing shift towards hybrid systems that combine multiple techniques to improve overall treatment efficiency. The study highlights the potential of nanotechnology to improve water quality in rural communities that rely on sources such as harvested rainwater, boreholes, and surface water. However, its wider use is still limited by the high cost of materials, difficulties in scaling up beyond laboratory studies, and ongoing concerns about the potential toxicity of nanoparticles and their long-term persistence in the environment. Overall, the study provides a comprehensive synthesis of current advancements in nanotechnology-based water treatment and highlights its relevance in promoting sustainable water management and supporting water security in resource-constrained settings.

Keywords

Water, nanotechnology, water treatment, water quality, treatment