Biogenic systems of mesoporous silica and its potential application in agrochemical delivery system

Abstract

The efficacy of nitrogen inculcation by plants is relatively low, and this is a critical problem instance of environmental protection. Enhancement of nitrogen assimilation can be carried out through the refurbishing, producing and applying the controlled release fertilisers. Biogenic nano silica has been proposed as an unconventional material in the fabrication of controlled-release fertilisers. Mesoporous silica was synthesised from silica-rich biogenic wastes banana peel and groundnut shell. Ammonium phosphate [diammonium phosphate (DAP), monoammonium phosphate (MAP)] rich phosphorus fertilisers were loaded with mesoporous silica which facilitates controlled release. AFM, FT-IR, XRD and SEM characterise the loaded fertilisers and further studied for controlled and prolonged release in soil and water. The soil toxicity was evaluated against ecologically relevant microbes Bacillus spp, Pseudomonas spp, and Acetobacter spp.