Interaction of nanoparticles with soil–plant system and their usage in remediation strategies

Nanotechnology is an emerging tool for sustainable agriculture. Nanotechnology plays important roles in deciding the fate, mobility/reactivity, beneficial or toxic effects in soil systems. Abiotic or biotic soil pollutants can be decontaminated with the help of essential nanomaterials along with different soil amendments. The remediation efficiency of nanomaterials depends upon their properties and interaction with soil characteristics/constituents. Soil remediation by the applications of nanomaterials is still limited to laboratory experimentation. On the entry of NMs in soils, they may disturb soil properties and plant morphological traits that are comprehensively explained in context of soil physio-biochemical characteristics, and plant morpho-physiological, cellular and molecular responses. The mechanisms of uptake, transport, beneficial and toxic effects of nanoparticles have been discussed. Beneficial effects of nanoparticles in alleviating the abiotic stress factors and mitigation of nanoparticles induced phytotoxic effects via detoxification strategies have also been reported. This chapter will help plant and soil scientists to develop strategies for sustainable nano-enabled agriculture.