Metal-Based Nanoparticles’ Interactions with Plants

Abstract

Continuously growing stream of nanoparticles being released to environment rises a fundamental question concerning interactions with living organisms and fate. They are being discharged in variety of forms, starting from simple isolated nanostructures and ending up with very complex species often embedded into diverse matrix components. Metal based nanoparticles (MNPs) are a major group of nanospecies with production approaching one third of the global nano-market. They exhibit plethora of shapes and chemical compositions and tend to induce remarkable divergent effects on plants. Any reliable examination of the latter should take into consideration major environmental factors like, soil texture, temperature, pH, osmotic pressure, content and composition of organic matter, redox status of the soil environment, ionic strength, cation exchange capacity, mineral composition, interaction with others elements as present in the soil matrix and in root exudates. The uptake of MNPs by roots occurs simultaneously with the physical and chemical reactions ongoing in rhizosphere and can influenced the nutrient absorption processes. The latter should be of a special importance when nanosized materials are being introduced to environment with either agrochemicals or substances used in soil or water remediation technologies. Despite numerous studies, the impact of nanoparticles on plants is not entirely recognized as yet. In particular, the problem of full comparability and transferability of experimental results is not to be neglected. Therefore, the proper implementation of methodologies standardization and cultivation conditions are issues which cannot be dismissed. The future rise of production and usage of nanoparticles in agriculture and protection of environment should be obviously preceded by the development of trustful safety rules and protocols.