Interaction of metal nanoparticles–plants–microorganisms in agriculture and soil remediation

Design products or technologies that incorporate metal nanoparticles (NPs) in agriculture need to be safe for consumers, soil microorganisms, and environment friendly. This review analyzed application advances of metal NPs in crop production and soil remediation, which are two major challenges that are constraining world sustainability and food security. The use of NPs in agriculture is also explored as a tool to improve plant productivity, control phytopathogens and viruses, monitor the quality and health of plants and soil, and seed-priming. Concerning soil remediation, this review focuses on potentially toxic element pollution when NPs are used as an assisted phytoremediation alternative, combined with electrokinetic remediation, or for acid mining drainage remediation, as well as their role in photocatalysis. In addition, it addresses the pathways of interaction with soil properties, plants, and soil microorganisms, which are relevant factors influencing NPs fate and behavior in soil and their functions. Finally, this review aimed to explore the common purposes and challenges of nanotechnology in agriculture and remediation, which may be the basis for new technologies.