Nanoagriculture and Water Quality Management

Abstract

Nanomaterials have rapidly gained importance in many fields of science and technology due to their unique properties. Nanomaterials are used in the agri-food sector notably for preservation and packaging, for agriculture and for water quality management. Future applications will improve shelf life, food quality, safety, and fortification. Nanosensors will be used to analyse contaminated food and water. Here we review the application of nanotechnology in agriculture and subdisciplines. The major points are the following. We explain the classification and synthesis of nanomaterials used for agriculture and water management. Then we present major applications such as nanoscale carriers, fabricated xylem vessels, nanolignocellulosic materials, clay nanotubes, photocatalysis, bioremediation of resistant pesticides, disinfectants, agricultural wastewater treatment, nanobarcode technology, quantum dots for staining bacteria, and nano-biosensors. Applications to water quality management include nanolignodynamic metallic particles, photocatalysis, desalination, removal of heavy metals, and wireless nanosensors.