Nano Revolution: Will Nanotechnology Save the Planet? | SLICE EARTH | FULL DOC

The Earth’s environment faces some great challenges, and it doesn’t take much to realize there’s no time to waste. This documentary follows scientists who believe that nanotechnology may be the key to overcoming the biosphere’s environmental problems.

Dr Vicki Colvin from Rice University field tests a simple low cost technique that could help the developing world clean arsenic out of contaminated groundwater.

University of Toronto’s Pr. Ted Sargent outlines his research into nano solar cells that would make solar power cheaper and more efficient by capturing the sun’s infrared rays.

Pr. Peter Dobson from Oxford University, describes how adding cerium oxide in nano form to diesel fuel can make it both more efficient and cleaner emission-wise.

And at the University of Western Ontario, Dr Dennis O’Carroll uses nanotechnology to treat contaminated soil.

However, the use of new, still poorly mastered technologies sometimes can cause more damage than help. At Duke University, in North Carolina, Pr. Mark Wiesner’s team is investigating the possible environmental impact of silver nanoparticles already being used as antibacterial in consumption products.

So, will nanotechnology save the Earth’s environment? Or will it provide humankind another way to harm nature?

Documentary: Nano Revolution - Episode 3: Will Nano Save The Planet (2011)
Direction: Olivier Julien
Production: Docside

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