Co-application of TiO2 nanoparticles and hyperaccumulator Brassica juncea L. for effective Cd removal from soil: Assessing the feasibility of using nano-phytoremediation.

Nano-phytoremediation is anticipated as a potential technology for the remediation of heavy metals from soil sites. This study evaluated the feasibility of using titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) at various concentrations (0, 100, 250, 500 mg/kg) along with a hyperaccumulator, Brassica juncea L., for effective removal of Cadmium (Cd) from the soil. Plants were grown for a whole life cycle in soil containing 10 mg/kg of Cd and spiked TiO2 NPs. We analyzed the plants for Cd tolerance, phytotoxicity, Cd removal, and translocation. Brassica plants displayed high Cd tolerance with a significant increase in plant growth, biomass, and photosynthetic activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Cd removal from the soil at TiO2 NPs concentrations of 0, 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg treatment was 32.46%, 11.62%, 17.55%, and 55.11%, respectively. The translocation factor for Cd was found to be 1.35, 0.96, 3.73, and 1.27 for 0, 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg concentrations. The results of this study indicate that TiO2 NPs applications in the soil can minimize Cd stress in plants and lead to its efficient removal from soil. Thus, the association of nanoparticles with the phytoremediation process can lead to good application prospects for the remediation of contaminated soil.

Copper-based nanoparticles in the soil-plant environment: Assessing their applications, interactions, fate and toxicity.

Copper-based nanoparticles (Cu-based NPs) have been gaining wide attention in agricultural applications due to their diverse characteristics and multipurpose properties. This includes their use in agrochemicals for efficient delivery and controlled release of pesticides and fertilizers. However, their excessive usage over a long duration of time could pose potential risks to the soil system. Further, they are known for their well-established anti-microbial effects which could be detrimental to soil health, particularly to the activities of soil microbes, which play a significant role in the functioning of terrestrial and agroecosystems. Thus, there is a great need to clearly understand these uniquely nanospecific properties of Cu-based NPs along with mode-of-action, effect on soil processes, soil organisms, and plants. This paper examines the current literature on Cu-based NPs to provide a systematic understanding of their potential impacts on the soil-plant environment. It explores their rising application and usage in agriculture along with their possible interaction with various soil components and the potential factors influencing it. It further investigates their uptake, translocation, and distribution in plants in various exposure media. It summarises that the dissolution, biotransformation, and bioavailability of Cu-based NPs in the soil are governed by several factors, like soil type, soil pH, and organic matter content. Further, environmental factors, time duration, and presence of other pollutants could also influence their biotransformation and soil toxicity. Finally, this review seeks to provide future perspectives that need attention for investigation purposes.

Assessing the impacts of sewage sludge amendment containing nano-TiO2 on tomato plants: A life cycle study.

Increasing evidence indicates the presence of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) in sewage sludge derived from wastewater treatment. Land application of sewage sludge is, therefore, considered as an important pathway for ENP transfer to the environment. The aim of this work was to understand the effects of sewage sludge containing nano-TiO2 on plants (tomato) when used as an amendment in agricultural soil. We assessed developmental parameters for the entire plant life cycle along with metabolic and bio-macromolecule changes and titanium accumulation in plants. The results suggest that the sewage sludge amendment containing nano-TiO2 increased plant growth (142% leaf biomass, 102% fruit yield), without causing changes in biochemical responses, except for a 43% decrease in leaf tannin concentration. Changes in elemental concentrations (mainly Fe, B, P, Na, and Mn) of plant stem, leaves and, to a lesser extent fruits were observed. Fourier-transformed infrared analysis showed maximum changes in plant leaves (decrease in tannins and lignins and increase in carbohydrates) but no change in fruits. No significant Ti enrichment was detected in tomato fruits. In conclusion, we evidenced no acute toxicity to plants and no major implication for food safety after one plant life cycle exposure.

Application of nanotechnology for the encapsulation of botanical insecticides for sustainable agriculture: prospects and promises.

This review article discusses the use of nanotechnology in combination with botanical insecticides in order to develop systems for pest control in agriculture. The main types of botanical insecticides are described, together with different carrier systems and their potential uses. The botanical insecticides include those based on active principles isolated from plant extracts, as well as essential oils derived from certain plants. The advantages offered by the systems are highlighted, together with the main technological challenges that must be resolved prior to future implementation of the systems for agricultural pest control. The use of botanical insecticides associated with nanotechnology offers considerable potential for increasing agricultural productivity, while at the same time reducing impacts on the environment and human health.