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Nanomaterial Implications for Agricultural Productivity and Food Safety
Citation:
Rico, C. Nanomaterial Implications for Agricultural Productivity and Food Safety. IN: AZO Nano, AZoNano, Macclesfield, Uk, 4076, (2015).
Impact/Purpose:
Nanomaterials are being used in many products that are beneficial to the society (e.g. hasten scientific discoveries, create jobs, improve human health, prevent/cure diseases, and safeguard the environment). One very promising application of this technology is through agriculture. Nano-agriculture - the application of nanomaterials in agricultural practices - is becoming popular. In fact, nano-agricultural inputs like nanopesticides and nanofertilizers have been commercially available for several years already. However, there are concerns on the risks these materials may have in crop production and food safety. For example, nanomaterials can alter plant growth, development, and yield, which may have serious implications in agricultural productivity. They can impose unknown risks to plant-associated microorganisms which may elicit critical changes in nutrient cycling and bacteria-plant symbiotic function. Furthermore, nanomaterials can end up in the edible portions of food crops and expose humans through dietary uptake. Experts agree that the potential risks of nanotechnology should be understood in order to harness its economic benefits. The aim of this article is to provide information to the general public, especially students and non-technical people, regarding the benefits and concerns on using nanomaterials.
Description:
Nanomaterials peculiar attributes are being explored for the benefits of the society; however, the widespread use of these materials are expected to contaminate the environment. For example, nanomaterials can reach the agricultural fields through the addition of sewage sludge (biosolids) and direct or purposeful application of nano-enabled products. Studies have shown that nanomaterials in soil affect the physiological/phenological development and yield of plant which may have serious implications in crop productivity, impose unknown risks to plant-associated microorganisms that may elicit critical changes in nutrient cycling and bacteria-plant symbiotic function, and accumulate in the edible portions of food crops that can expose humans through dietary uptake. The concerns on the risks nanomaterials may elicit in crop production and food safety should be properly addressed in order to reap full economic and societal benefits of nanotechnology.
