Currently, words derived from the prefix “nano,” has become increasingly common in scientific literature. Mainly in today’s science, this nano prefix has gained more popularity such that many nano words are being recently used and such include nanotechnology, nanoparticles, nanomaterials, nano encapsulation nanofabrication et cetra. Nanoparticles have particularly drawn worldwide attention due of their unique characteristics and uses. In nanoscience and nanotechnology, recent advances have also led to the development of novel nanoparticles, and this has eventually improved health potentials and environmental hazards. Research has also shown an increase of ecofriendly and environmentally sustainable approaches in the nanofabrication of metallic nanoparticles. Such increase is as result to minimize the negative effects of synthetic procedures, as well as their resulting toxic chemicals and other derivatives. Green and sustainable nanotechnological approach would be a search for various bioresources for the synthesis of nanoparticles. Therefore, microbiological resources such as bacteria, fungi, algae as well as plants are being sourced for the productions of low-cost, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly iron nanoparticles. The current review outlines different reports on green syntheses of iron nanoparticles (such as zero valent iron (ZVI) and iron oxide (Fe2O3) NPs) with attention paid on their significant applications in environmental pollution control. It also summarizes the ecotoxicological impacts of green synthesized iron nanoparticles in opposition to non-green synthesized iron nanoparticles.

Keywords : Iron Nanoparticles; Sustainable Green Nanotechnology; Environmental Pollution; Environmental Toxicology