Risk Assessment of Nanofertilizers and Nanopesticides

Abstract

The use of nanoagrochemicals is fundamental to modern agriculture and the applications of nanotechnology in the form of nanopesticides or nanofertilizers are growing all over the world. Notwithstanding, risk assessment of these products has been far outpaced by their development. Environmental and human health impacts are general concerns that have been addressed, as reviewed in this chapter. Many studies focus on the level of toxicity testing using organisms such as prokaryotes, plants, and invertebrate and vertebrate animals. The data, however, are still insufficient, as many studies are incomplete, lacking full physical-chemical analysis, adequate controls, or continuity. This impairs the development of regulatory policies and, consequently, the marketing of these products. Risk assessment is needed to ensure the safety of the nanoagrochemicals and the benefits that the environment may attain from their use. This field urges for researchers, funding and organized international collaborative initiatives to thrive.