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Title:

Nanomaterials in Plant Protection and Fertilization: Current State, Foreseen Applications, and Research Priorities

Date:

10/2012

Link to Journal Abstract

Abstract:

Scientific publications and patents on nanomaterials (NM) used in plant protection or fertilizer products have exponentially increased since the millennium shift. While the United States and Germany have published the highest number of patents, Asian countries released most scientific articles. About 40% of all contributions deal with carbon-based NM, followed by titanium dioxide, silver, silica, and alumina. Nanomaterials come in many diverse forms (surprisingly often 100 nm), from solid doped particles to (often nonpersistent) polymer and oil�water based structures. Nanomaterials serve equally as additives (mostly for controlled release) and active constituents. Product efficiencies possibly increased by NM should be balanced against enhanced environmental NM input fluxes. The dynamic development in research and its considerable public perception are in contrast with the currently still very small number of NM-containing products on the market. Nanorisk assessment and legislation are largely in their infancies.

Non-technical Summary:

In this review, the authors align the
increasingly common perception of nanomaterial (NM) use and benefit for crop protection and cultivation with actual scientific facts and figures by giving an overview on the developments concerning nano-plant protection products and fertilizers since the beginning of the 21st century and of the current state in the Nano-Agro-Business. They systematically discuss different nanomaterials and their properties that are envisioned to improve agricultural formulations, based on the scientific literature and published patents and identify specific research gaps related to the risk assessment of NM in agriculture and address relevant aspects of nanolegislation.

Content Emphasis

Review Article

Exposure Or Hazard Target

Soil Ecosystem

Exposure Pathway

Other/Unspecified

Method Of Study

Other

Paper Type

Environmental Fate and Transport

Particle Type

Other/Unspecified