Tunisia believes nanotechnology may be a key to promoting new green environmental protection projects in the country and is currently developing this sector for the possibility of widespread use. The move comes as the new technology is believed to have immense usefulness in environmental applications. Nanoscience holds great potential for the continued improvement of technologies for environmental protection and preventing persistent pollutants, the country's environment agency reported this month. It offers new capabilities to substantially benefit environmental quality and sustainability. In this context, an initial agreement on monitoring the waters of “Oued Medjerda” has just been finalized between the National Agency of Environmental Protection (ANPE) and the Tunisian Association of nanotechnology. It is worth noting that nanotechnology refers to the use of materials with nanoscale dimensions, a size range from 1 to 100 nanometers. The partnership agreement also provides for the creation of a unit of nanotechnology research in the park of “El Mourouj” and organization of joint scientific events dedicated to environmental applications of this revolutionary technique of observation and diagnosis. The national Waste Management Agency is committed, under a triangular agreement with the National Institute of Applied Science and Technology (INSAT) and the Tunisian Association of young nanotechnology, to fund a pilot project mixing electrochemical processes and nanoscience. Through this technology Tunisia is aiming to benefit from environmental protection in applications such as reducing use of raw and manufactured materials, minimizing the generation of wastes and reducing toxins in the country. BM
