Status of Nanomaterial Uses in Agriculture and Environment

Fuente: Agri-Waste and Microbes for Production of Sustainable Nanomaterials
Nanotechnology is being applied in agricultural and environmental contexts to solve global problems such as food security and controlling food waste and pollution. Due to their exceptional physicochemical properties, nanomaterials can be used in agriculture as nano fertilizers, nanopesticides, and nanosensors to help with nutrient use efficiency, minimise chemical runoff, and mitigate environmental pollution. Veterinary and human health management uses real-time monitoring technologies that directly improve pest control, allow monitoring of soil and crop health in real-time, and enable the site-specific release of nutrients and agrochemicals, thereby reducing wastage, optimizing resource utilization, and promoting precision agriculture. Nanotechnology also helps in environmental remediation by providing advanced water purification systems, pollutant degradation, and restoration of soil health. However, there are some problems associated with nanoparticle toxicity, ecological impact, and cost-effectiveness. The chapter underscores the central role that nanotechnology plays in the innovation of agriculture and the restoration of the environment. The unique properties of nanomaterials can be exploited by scientists and practitioners to design solutions to enhance food security, mitigate climate change impacts, and address environmental degradation. The full potential of nanotechnology for a sustainable future requires continued interdisciplinary research.