Nanoparticles of gold and palladium could be used to help tackle a persistent pollutant, according to US scientists.

Researchers working at Rice University's Centre for Biological and Environmental Nanotechnology say they have identified the two precious metals as optimum catalysts to tackle trichloroethene (TCE).

The research will be outlined in the next edition of the journal Environmental Science and Technology, which makes clear the potential of the new technology.

"The advantages of palladium-based TCE remediation are well-documented, but so is the cost," explained lead researcher Michael Wong.

"Using nanotechnology, we were able to maximize the number of palladium atoms that come in contact with TCE molecules and improve efficiency by several orders of magnitude over bulk palladium catalysts."

One of the other key advantages of using palladium is that the precious metal converts TCE into ethane, a completely non-toxic gas - unlike many other catalysts used in conjunction with TCE.

The breakthrough could hold significant advantages for dealing with TCE, which is typically used as a solvent when treating electronics.

It is reputed as a particularly toxic and prevalent groundwater pollutant, with the US defence department calculating the standard cost of treating the 1,400 TCE-contaminated sites at a staggering $5 billion.