Ecotoxicological Effects of Nanomaterials on Growth, Metabolism, and Toxicity of Nonvascular Plants

Abstract

We now have diverse types of nanomaterials (NMs) comprising of inorganic particles (e.g., oxides, metals, and salts existing in nature or produced in the laboratory) or organic particles (e.g., polymer-clay nanocomposites and quantum dots that may be manufactured only in the laboratory), ranging in dimensions between 1 and 100 nm. Their unique physicochemical properties are determined by their shape, size, surface area, and charge. Because of the widespread application of NMs in various fields, an intentional or unintended release of nanomaterials into the environment is on the increase, while their adverse effects on biological systems are difficult to predict. This situation necessitates the assessment of the potential effects of NMs on the exposed organisms and ecological processes. This chapter summarizes the latest research findings regarding the impact of NMs on the growth, metabolism, and toxicity of nonvascular plants.