Impact of Engineered Nanoparticles on Soil Biogeochemistry: Mechanisms, Environmental Implications, and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Nanotechnology has emerged as a rapidly transformative field with the potential to significantly revolutionize numerous aspects of scientific research, particularly soil microbial ecology and biogeochemistry. Carbon, silver, selenium, titanium dioxide, zinc, and iron-based nanomaterials have substantially affected soil microorganisms, exhibiting both beneficial and negative impacts on the soil biogeochemical processes. The impacts of nanoparticles on soil microbiomes are comprehensive and dependent on the characteristics of the nanoparticles particularly the soil environment in which they are being applied. Applying nanoparticles to soil can disrupt microbial communities, impacting nutrient cycling and mineralization processes ultimately influencing the plant growth-promoting activities of soil microbes, and various microbial metabolic pathways. The aim to investigate the potential applications of nanotechnology within soil systems, focusing on its interactions with soil microbial communities and the resulting biogeochemical processes. Subsequently, significant quantities of these nanoparticles that are being released into the soil environment through various pathways impact soil health and is physicochemical attributes. Further, the sustainable production of nanoparticles utilizing plants and microbes can contribute to soil nano-restoration. The nexus between nanoparticles, plants, and microbes represents a critical area of research for understanding and optimizing soil fertility. In addition, nanomaterials serve as distinctive carriers enabling targeted and controlled delivery of nutrients, thereby enhancing crop protection.