Plant-Microbes-Engineered Nano-particles (PM-ENPs) Nexus in Agro-Ecosystems: Understanding the Interaction of Plant, Microbes and Engineered Nano-particles (ENPS)

The book presents a collection of cross-disciplinary research on the plant/microbe/ENP nexus in agro-ecosystems, focusing on the uptake, transport, and transformation of nanoparticles in plants, their impact on bioprocesses, and their transport through biogeochemical cycles. ENPs are used in many industries, but their negative effects are a major concern. Addressing the plant/microbe/ENP nexus is essential for sustainable development and food security.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 215 pages
Publication date: 23 March 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book presents a comprehensive collection of cross-disciplinary research, encompassing all critical aspects of the plant/microbe/ENP nexus in agro-ecosystems. Over the past few years, there has been a growing interest in the uptake, transport, and transformation of nanoparticles in plants. Specifically, the impact of Engineered Nanoparticles (ENPs) on bioprocesses, the low-, medium-, and high-level dose responses in the microbial community of soil, and the long-, medium-, and short-term exposure responses, particularly microbial nitrogen transformations, have garnered significant attention. Given the wide-ranging applications of ENPs in industries such as cosmetics, agriculture, medicine, food technology, and waste management, understanding their transport through biogeochemical cycles is a major focus of numerous studies today.

In particular, the study of ENP-microbe interactions has been instrumental in exploring disease treatment for plants. ENPs play a vital role in disease inhibition by releasing metal ions that act through various pathways, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, DNA transformation, and disruption of the cell cycle, to stop cell growth in the pathogen. Due to their unique properties, ENPs are also used as slow-release or delayed-release pesticides and fungicides, as well as carrier systems for growth-promoting hormones. Despite their numerous uses in various industries, concerns about the negative effects of ENPs continue to be a major concern for the scientific community and consumers alike. For instance, reports of their transport to various food chains have raised doubts about the safety of this rapidly growing scientific field with significant applications in many industries.

From a sustainable development perspective, particularly in the context of ensuring food security amidst the uncertainty surrounding ENPs, it is crucial to address these concerns. This requires a comprehensive understanding of the ecological, environmental, and health implications of ENP use in agro-ecosystems. It also calls for the development of effective management strategies and regulations to ensure the safe and responsible use of ENPs while minimizing their negative impacts on ecosystems and human health.

In conclusion, this book provides a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals interested in exploring the complex interactions between plants, microbes, and ENPs in agro-ecosystems. By presenting a comprehensive collection of cross-disciplinary research, it contributes to our understanding of the potential benefits and risks associated with ENP use and highlights the need for further research and management efforts to ensure a sustainable and environmentally friendly future.

Weight: 571g
Dimension: 279 x 210 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030669584
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021