Nanomaterials for Soil Fertilisation and Contaminant Removal

Abstract

Expanding population and increasing consumption is inducing higher pressure on agricultural resources and food production. Agriculture depends to a large extent on the quality of soil and water resource availability. Soils should ensure water retention, provide suffi cient nutrients and not contain any contaminants. However, anthropogenic and natural factors are responsible for the deterioration of soil quality in the form of erosion, loss of water retention capacity and nutrients, and contamination. Large scale use of agrochemicals in the form of fertilisers and pes- ticides has given rise to increase in the levels of contaminants in soil and ground water. Here we review the application of nanomaterials to improve nutrient quality and to remove soil contaminants. Nanomaterials such as nanoclays, nanozeolites and nanominerals have been used to enhance water retention and as nutrient carri- ers. These nanomaterials promoted seed germination, plant growth, phosphorus and nitrogen fi xation, versus conventional methods. Nanoparticles have also been used for remediating soils contaminated by herbicides, pesticides, organic pollutants and heavy metals. Conventional soil remediation methods such as phytoremediation, thermal treatment and electrokinetic degradation, have been improved using nanoparticles.