About this Research Topic
The use of nanotechnology in agriculture and the environment to boost plant production and health, improve soil and water quality, and remediate contaminated environments provides alternative solutions to meet ever-increasing food demand in an era of global climate change and pathogen outbreaks (e.g., COVID-19). However, as the use of nanomaterials in commercial products increases, there is a growing public debate about whether the environmental and social costs of nanotechnology are greater than its numerous benefits. Besides, an insufficient understanding of the impacts of nanomaterials on the environment poses significant obstacles to its potential large-scale application. Therefore, it is essential to conduct systematic and comprehensive assessments of those nanoproducts, and the resultant knowledge can be used to predict their potential benefits and side impacts.
This Research Topic aims to advance knowledge in the field, guiding future research, informing policy decisions, and ensuring the safe and effective use of nanotechnology in agriculture and environmental management. More research is needed to develop green, cost-effective, and safe nanomaterials for future applications. Evidence is needed on the toxicological and environmental effects of direct and indirect exposure to nanomaterials. It also can be vital to understand the interactions between nanomaterials and macro- and microorganisms in soil-water systems and how these interactions affect soil, water, and crop quality. Importantly, mechanism studies need to consider the differences in toxicology among the nanomaterials (shape, size, and chemical composition), exposure dose and time, co-existent pollutants, other agricultural amendments, as well as experimental conditions. Finally, systematic studies are crucial to safeguard our environment and food production systems, while making efforts to raise public awareness of nanotechnology. Students, scientists, farmers, engineers, policymakers, and regulators who work in the field will benefit greatly from those topics in terms of their education and safety.
This topic aims to explore the multifaceted aspects of nanotechnology applications in agriculture and environmental management, addressing both the potential benefits and associated risks. The scope is defined by the following themes:
1) Nanotechnology for enhanced plant production and health;
2) Improving soil and water quality through nanotechnology;
3) Nanotechnology in environmental remediation;
4) Balancing the environmental and social costs of nanotechnology;
5) Understanding nanomaterials' environmental impact;
6) Characterization and evaluation of green, safe nanomaterials;
7) Interactions of nanomaterials in soil-water systems;
8) Nanotoxicology: variability and exposure.
New research and reviews addressing these topics are welcomed. Manuscripts dealing with new approaches to risk assessment and management are also encouraged.
This Research Topic aims to advance knowledge in the field, guiding future research, informing policy decisions, and ensuring the safe and effective use of nanotechnology in agriculture and environmental management. More research is needed to develop green, cost-effective, and safe nanomaterials for future applications. Evidence is needed on the toxicological and environmental effects of direct and indirect exposure to nanomaterials. It also can be vital to understand the interactions between nanomaterials and macro- and microorganisms in soil-water systems and how these interactions affect soil, water, and crop quality. Importantly, mechanism studies need to consider the differences in toxicology among the nanomaterials (shape, size, and chemical composition), exposure dose and time, co-existent pollutants, other agricultural amendments, as well as experimental conditions. Finally, systematic studies are crucial to safeguard our environment and food production systems, while making efforts to raise public awareness of nanotechnology. Students, scientists, farmers, engineers, policymakers, and regulators who work in the field will benefit greatly from those topics in terms of their education and safety.
This topic aims to explore the multifaceted aspects of nanotechnology applications in agriculture and environmental management, addressing both the potential benefits and associated risks. The scope is defined by the following themes:
1) Nanotechnology for enhanced plant production and health;
2) Improving soil and water quality through nanotechnology;
3) Nanotechnology in environmental remediation;
4) Balancing the environmental and social costs of nanotechnology;
5) Understanding nanomaterials' environmental impact;
6) Characterization and evaluation of green, safe nanomaterials;
7) Interactions of nanomaterials in soil-water systems;
8) Nanotoxicology: variability and exposure.
New research and reviews addressing these topics are welcomed. Manuscripts dealing with new approaches to risk assessment and management are also encouraged.
Keywords: Nanomaterials, Plant growth, Soil health, Water quality, Nanotoxicology.
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
