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Nanomaterials
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Environmental Implications of Nanomaterials: Concerns and Opportunities
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Environmental Implications of Nanomaterials: Concerns and Opportunities

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Nanoscience and Nanotechnology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2021) | Viewed by 21902

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Yukui Rui

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
Interests: phytotoxicology of nanoparticles; applications of nanomaterials; heavy metals; nanoparticles; nanofertilizer; nanopesticides
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nanotechnology has emerged as a highly promising technology to deal with mounting challenges restricting food security. This emerging technology has demonstrated advantages over conventional agricultural approaches and possesses important properties that lead to lower inputs, enhanced efficiency, and reduced ecotoxicity. A key barrier for the implementation of nanotechnology is the limited understanding of the potential pollution risks arising from the utilization of nanomaterials in agriculture, be that from the accumulation of nanomaterials themselves in soil and plant, synergistic effects with other pollutants, or alteration of soil microbial structures resulting in the deterioration of soil health. Thus, as with all new technologies, risks must be evaluated in parallel with the benefits. Aiming to tackle this knowledge barrier and move the field of nanoenabled agriculture forward, we invite submissions of novel and original papers and reviews to this SI covering (but not limited to) the following topics:

  • Phytotoxicity of nanomaterials;
  • Impacts of nanomaterials on soil health;
  • Transport and fate of nanomaterials in soil;
  • Impact of nanomaterials on remobilization of pollutants from soils;
  • Uptake and transformation of nanomaterials in plants;
  • Trophic transfer and transgenerational impacts;
  • Applications of nanomaterials to reduce agriculture-related pollution.

Prof. Dr. Yukui Rui
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nanomaterials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Phytotoxicity
  • Engineering nanomaterials
  • terrestrial plants
  • Transformation
  • Trophic transfer

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 4143 KiB  
Article
A Water-Stable 2-Fold Interpenetrating cds Net as a Bifunctional Fluorescence-Responsive Sensor for Selective Detection of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) Ions
by Meng-Jung Tsai, Kuo-Shun Liao and Jing-Yun Wu
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(1), 158; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12010158 - 03 Jan 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1480
Abstract
Reactions of ZnSO4∙7H2O, N-(pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-4-(pyridin-4-yl)-1,8-naphthalimide (NI-mbpy-34), and 5-bromobenzene-1,3-dicarboxylic acid (Br-1,3-H2bdc) afforded a luminescent coordination polymer, [Zn(Br-1,3-bdc)(NI-mbpy-34)]n (1), under hydro(solvo)thermal conditions. Single-crystal X-ray structure analysis revealed that 1 features a three-dimensional (3-D) 2-fold interpenetrating cds [...] Read more.
Reactions of ZnSO4∙7H2O, N-(pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-4-(pyridin-4-yl)-1,8-naphthalimide (NI-mbpy-34), and 5-bromobenzene-1,3-dicarboxylic acid (Br-1,3-H2bdc) afforded a luminescent coordination polymer, [Zn(Br-1,3-bdc)(NI-mbpy-34)]n (1), under hydro(solvo)thermal conditions. Single-crystal X-ray structure analysis revealed that 1 features a three-dimensional (3-D) 2-fold interpenetrating cds (or CdSO4) net topology with the point symbol of (65·8), where the Zn(II) centers are considered as 4-connected square-planar nodes. X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) patterns and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis confirmed that 1 shows high chemical and thermal stabilities. Notably, 1 displayed solvent dependent photoluminescence properties; the fluorescence intensity and emission maximum of 1 in different solvent suspensions varied when a solvent was changed. Furthermore, the H2O suspension of 1 exhibited blue fluorescence emission and thus can be treated as a selective and sensitive fluorescent probe for turn-on detection of Cr3+ cations through absorbance caused enhancement (ACE) mechanism and turn-off detection of Cr2O72−/CrO42− anions through collaboration of the absorption competition and energy transfer process, with limit of detection (LOD) as low as μM scale. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Implications of Nanomaterials: Concerns and Opportunities)
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15 pages, 3967 KiB  
Article
Nanoscale Zero-Valent Iron Modified by Bentonite with Enhanced Cr(VI) Removal Efficiency, Improved Mobility, and Reduced Toxicity
by Jien Ye, Yating Luo, Jiacong Sun and Jiyan Shi
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(10), 2580; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11102580 - 30 Sep 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2204
Abstract
The aggregation of nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) particles and their limited transport ability in environmental media hinder their application in environmental remediation. In this study, the Cr(VI) removal efficiency, transport performance, and toxicity of nZVI and bentonite-modified nZVI (B-nZVI) were investigated. Compared with [...] Read more.
The aggregation of nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) particles and their limited transport ability in environmental media hinder their application in environmental remediation. In this study, the Cr(VI) removal efficiency, transport performance, and toxicity of nZVI and bentonite-modified nZVI (B-nZVI) were investigated. Compared with nZVI, B-nZVI improved the removal efficiency of Cr(VI) by 10%, and also significantly increased the transport in quartz sand and soil. Increasing the flow rate can enhance the transport of nZVI and B-nZVI in the quartz sand columns. The transport of the two materials in different soils was negatively correlated with the clay composition. Besides, modification of nZVI by bentonite could reduce toxicity to luminous bacteria (Photobacterium phosphereum T3) and ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). Compared with Fe-EDTA, the transfer factors of nZVI and B-nZVI were 65.0% and 66.4% lower, respectively. This indicated that although iron nanoparticles accumulated in the roots of ryegrass, they were difficult to be transported to the shoots. The results of this study indicate that B-nZVI has a strong application potential in in situ environmental remediation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Implications of Nanomaterials: Concerns and Opportunities)
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16 pages, 4790 KiB  
Article
Engineered Nanomaterials Suppress the Soft Rot Disease (Rhizopus stolonifer) and Slow Down the Loss of Nutrient in Sweet Potato
by Lin-Jiang Pang, Muhammed Adeel, Noman Shakoor, Ke-Rui Guo, Dai-Fu Ma, Muhammad Arslan Ahmad, Guo-Quan Lu, Mei-Hui Zhao, Sheng-E Li and Yu-Kui Rui
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(10), 2572; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11102572 - 30 Sep 2021
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 2803
Abstract
About 45% of the world’s fruit and vegetables are wasted, resulting in postharvest losses and contributing to economic losses ranging from $10 billion to $100 billion worldwide. Soft rot disease caused by Rhizopus stolonifer leads to postharvest storage losses of sweet potatoes. Nanoscience [...] Read more.
About 45% of the world’s fruit and vegetables are wasted, resulting in postharvest losses and contributing to economic losses ranging from $10 billion to $100 billion worldwide. Soft rot disease caused by Rhizopus stolonifer leads to postharvest storage losses of sweet potatoes. Nanoscience stands as a new tool in our arsenal against these mounting challenges that will restrict efforts to achieve and maintain global food security. In this study, three nanomaterials (NMs) namely C60, CuO, and TiO2 were evaluated for their potential application in the restriction of Rhizopus soft rot disease in two cultivars of sweet potato (Y25, J26). CuO NM exhibited a better antifungal effect than C60 and TiO2 NMs. The contents of three important hormones, indolepropionic acid (IPA), gibberellic acid 3 (GA-3), and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in the infected J26 sweet potato treated with 50 mg/L CuO NM were significantly higher than those of the control by 14.5%, 10.8%, and 24.1%. CuO and C60 NMs promoted antioxidants in both cultivars of sweet potato. Overall, CuO NM at 50 mg/L exhibited the best antifungal properties, followed by TiO2 NM and C60 NM, and these results were further confirmed through scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. The use of CuO NMs as an antifungal agent in the prevention of Rhizopus stolonifer infections in sweet potatoes could greatly reduce postharvest storage and delivery losses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Implications of Nanomaterials: Concerns and Opportunities)
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14 pages, 2385 KiB  
Article
Improving the Berry Quality and Antioxidant Potential of Flame Seedless Grapes by Foliar Application of Chitosan–Phenylalanine Nanocomposites (CS–Phe NCs)
by Gholamreza Gohari, Elnaz Zareei, Muhittin Kulak, Parisa Labib, Roghayeh Mahmoudi, Sima Panahirad, Hessam Jafari, Gholamreza Mahdavinia, Antonio Juárez-Maldonado and José M. Lorenzo
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(9), 2287; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11092287 - 02 Sep 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2416
Abstract
The production and sustainability of grape berries with high quality and health-promoting properties is a major goal. In this regard, nano-engineered materials are being used for improving the quality and marketability of berries. In this study, we investigated the potential role of chitosan–phenylalanine [...] Read more.
The production and sustainability of grape berries with high quality and health-promoting properties is a major goal. In this regard, nano-engineered materials are being used for improving the quality and marketability of berries. In this study, we investigated the potential role of chitosan–phenylalanine nanocomposites (CS–Phe NCs) in improving the quality of Flame Seedless (Vitis vinifera L.) grape berries, such as titratable acidity (TA), pH, total soluble solids (TSS), ascorbic acid, total phenolics, total flavonoids, anthocyanin, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity. In this context, grape berries collected in two growing seasons (2018–2019) were screened. Regarding the experimental design, the treatments included chitosan at a 0.5% concentration (CS 0.5%), phenylalanine at 5 mM and 10 mM concentrations (Phe 5 mM and Phe 10 mM), and chitosan–phenylalanine nanocomposites (CS–Phe NCs) at 5 mM and 10 mM concentrations. The lowest TA was recorded in grape berries treated with CS–Phe NCs with a 10 mM concentration. However, treatments enhanced with TSS, which reached the highest value with 10 mM of CS–Phe NCs, were reflected as the highest ratio of TSS/TA with 10 mM of CS–Phe NC treatment. Nanocomposites (NCs) also increased pH values in both study years compared to the control. Similarly, the ascorbic acid and total phenolic content increased in response to NP treatment, reaching the highest value with 5 mM and 10 mM of CS–Phe NCs in 2018 and 2019, respectively. The highest flavonoid content was observed with 5 mM of CS–Phe NCs in both study years. In addition, the anthocyanin content increased with 5 and 10 mM of CS–Phe NCs. PAL activity was found to be the highest with 5 mM of CS–Phe NCs in both study years. In addition, in accordance with the increase in PAL activity, increased total phenolics and anthocyanin, and higher DPPH radical scavenging activity of the grapes were recorded with the treatments compared to the control. As deduced from the findings, the coating substantially influenced the metabolic pathway, and the subsequent alterations induced by the treatments were notably appreciated due to there being no adverse impacts perceived. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Implications of Nanomaterials: Concerns and Opportunities)
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Review

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22 pages, 2388 KiB  
Review
Uptake and Accumulation of Nano/Microplastics in Plants: A Critical Review
by Imran Azeem, Muhammad Adeel, Muhammad Arslan Ahmad, Noman Shakoor, Gama Dingba Jiangcuo, Kamran Azeem, Muhammad Ishfaq, Awais Shakoor, Muhammad Ayaz, Ming Xu and Yukui Rui
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(11), 2935; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11112935 - 02 Nov 2021
Cited by 127 | Viewed by 12152
Abstract
The ubiquitous presence of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in the environment is an undeniable and serious concern due to their higher persistence and extensive use in agricultural production. This review highlights the sources and fate of MPs and NPs in soil and [...] Read more.
The ubiquitous presence of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in the environment is an undeniable and serious concern due to their higher persistence and extensive use in agricultural production. This review highlights the sources and fate of MPs and NPs in soil and their uptake, translocation, and physiological effects in the plant system. We provide the current snapshot of the latest reported studies with the majority of literature spanning the last five years. We draw attention to the potential risk of MPs and NPs in modern agriculture and their effects on plant growth and development. We also highlight their uptake and transport pathways in roots and leaves via different exposure methods in plants. Conclusively, agricultural practices, climate changes (wet weather and heavy rainfall), and soil organisms play a major role in transporting MPs and NPs in soil. NPs are more prone to enter plant cell walls as compared to MPs. Furthermore, transpiration pull is the dominant factor in the plant uptake and translocation of plastic particles. MPs have negligible negative effects on plant physiological and biochemical indicators. Overall, there is a dire need to establish long-term studies for a better understanding of their fate and associated risks mechanisms in realistic environment scenarios for safe agricultural functions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Implications of Nanomaterials: Concerns and Opportunities)
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