Theme 4: Nanoparticles Ecosystems Impact

1.Plant Nano-Ecotoxicology Issues/Concerns

2.Overall 8 goals for the next 10 years

Jorge Gardea-Torresdey, PhD Dudley Professor of Chemistry and

Environmental Science & Engineering University of Texas at El Paso

Theme 4: Use of Nanomaterials in Agricultural Activities

Hong, J., Peralta-Videa, J.R., Gardea-Torresdey, J.L. 2013 Nanomaterials in agricultural production: benefits and possible threats? In: Green Nanotechnology and the Environment Edited by Shamin, N. and Sharma, V. K. ACS Symposium Series

Vol. 1124, 73-90 (DOI: 10.1021/bk-2013-1124).

NSF: EF-0830117

Nano-fertilizer (Unknown composition)

http://nanobiomarketing.com/en/contents/view/knowledge/101

Nano-fertilizer

http://www.sulit.com.ph/index.php/view+classifieds/id/4176651/TRIGROW

+NANO+ORGANIC+FERTILIZER+THE+WAY+TO+A++MODERN+AGRICULTURE

Total Nitrogen …………..……10.6%

Ammoniacal Nitrogen …...… 7.2%

Nitrate Nitrogen ………………0.4%

Total Phosphorous (P205)…..0.9%

Total Potassium (K20) ……....11.0%

Organic Matter …………….…46.0%

Ammonium Citrate

Soluble Phosporous ……..… 8.3%

Citric Acid Soluble

Potassium (K20) ……………..10.9%

Citric Acid Soluble

Magnesium Oxide (Ca-MgO)…1.0%

Water Soluble Boron ……….<0.001%

No information about the nanoparticles

Nano-fertilizer (Unknown composition)

Produce healthier plants (http://www.nafertino.com.tw/en/testimonial/147)

Organic nanofertilizers are rich in nutrients, organic acids and aminoacids. Produce better fruits (http://www.nafertino.com.tw/en/testimonial/121)

Nano-herbicide (Unknown composition)

Lambsquarters 4 days after treatment with herbicide plus NanoBoost. Photo taken in Upper-Midwest Soybeans. (http://www.montysplantfood.com/wordpress/?p=132)

Resistant marestail in Mississippi River Delta - TN Row Crops. Left side was treated with herbicide only; Right side received herbicide plus NanoBoost. Photo taken at 9 days. (http://www.montysplantfood.com/wordpress/?p=132)

NANOTECHNOLOGY IN AGRICULTURE

Nanopesticide

Nano Bio Marketing 2011. http://nanobiomarketing.com/en/ contents/view/knowledge/101

Smart delivery systems

Nanofertilizers 7

“GRAND ENTRY TO THE FOODCHAIN”

Nano-pesticide

November, 2011: The U.S.

Environmental Protection

Agency granted the first

approval for a nanopesticide:

HieQ, a Swiss-made

Antimicrobial nanosilver

product used in Fabrics.

http://nanoall.blogspot.com/2011/01/smart-nano-pesticides.html

• Cu NPs, 40nm

• Cu Bulk, <60 µm

• CuO NPs <50nm

• CuO Bulk, <5µm

• Cu(OH)2 DuPont kocide 2005 (Fungicide/Bactericide)

• Cu(OH)2 DuPont kocide 3000

• (Minimal dose recommended: 84 mg/m2)

• CuCl2

In summary, not Enough Information on Nanotoxicology in Crops

Currently we are working with Cu-Microcosm studies

* * * * * * *

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Ro

ot

Len

gth

(cm

) Treatment

control

5 mg/L

10 mg/L

20 mg/L

Effects of Cu compounds/NPs in alfalfa root elongation

Is the food chain compromised?

Direct

consumption

by human

NPs

Through food chain

Nanoparticles

(NPs)

What is the Fate of Nanoparticles in Crops?

Overall 8 goals for the next 10 years

Transformation of Nanoparticles in Sludge and Waste Water

Streams

What is the composition of these

NPs? Are the NPs polar, non-

polar? How will this affect

crops?

Interaction of NP

with other sludge

constituents

NP

NP

Potential Toxicity, Bioaccumulation, and Biotransformation of

Nanoparticles/Bulk Compounds in Different Crops

NPs/compounds

NPs

Surface modified NPs, e.g. soil

organic matter

Other forms of NPs

NPs?

Effects on plant’s

metabolic activities

Impact of surface

modifications

Threaten food safety?

CeO2 NPs

ZnO NPs

TiO2 NPs

CuO NP

Cu NPs

Carbon nanotubes

Nutritional Effects of Nanoparticles on Crops

Untreated

Control

NP exposed

Fruit size/no.

Fruit quality

• Micro/macro

Nutrients

• Sugars

• Proteins

• Antioxidants

Trans-generational Transfer of Nanoparticles

CeO2 NPs/

ZnO NPs/

TiO2 NPs/

CuO NPs/

Cu NPs/

Carbon nanotubes

• Transfer of NP to

next generation

• Biotransformation

of NP in fruits

What happens in next

generations?

NPs?

Determine the Effect of Prolonged NP Exposure in Soil and Crops

SOIL TYPE: pH, Texture, Cation exchange

capacity, Organic matter, Salinity

Soil composition, organic acids

Interactions of soil micro-organisms and crops (with Theme 4 Holden

et al)

SILT SAND

CLAY NPs: CeO2 NPs/ ZnO NPs/

TiO2 NPs/ CuO NPs/ Cu

NPs/ Carbon nanotubes

High organic matter

containing soil Sandy soil with less

micropore space

Loamy soil with good

micro- and macro-spore

space

Biotransformation depending on soil composition, pH, organic acids, etc.

(with Theme 3, Keller et al)

Impact of Chronic Exposure to Low Concentrations of NPs on

Perennial Crops

NP Long Time Exposure

Reduces plant life

time?

Reduces crop yield?

Reduces food

quality?

Disturbs symbiotic

association?

Disturbs plant

defense mechanisms?

Pathogenic fungi

Pathogenic bacteria

e.g. Pseudomonas

Plant Growth Hormones

IAA GA Control

GA

KN

Indole-3-acetic acid

Kinetin

Gibberellic acid

Impact/interaction of NPs with Plant Growth Hormones What are the effects on agronomic parameters controlled by phytohormones?

Germination

Water uptake

Plant development

Flowering

Fruiting

Root development

Metabolic processes

Senescence

Food quality

Plant Hormones Indole Acetic Acid

CeO2 NPs

ZnO NPs

TiO2 NPs

CuO NP

Cu NPs

Carbon nanotubes