Plant benefit and terrestrial eco-toxicology assessment of biogenic boron nanofertilizer

Nanofertilizers are nutrient fertilizers that have nanostructured formulation and can be delivered to plants, for efficient uptake of active macro and micronutrients. Due to their small size and high surface reactivity the chances of nutrient-surface interaction increases in the environment. A number of factors including (i) synthesis process, physicochemical properties and (iii) dose all influence the effect on mammalian and ecological systems.
Aim: Understanding the plant benefit and effect of agriculturally useful nanomaterials (ANMs) on terrestrial model systems to determine any underlying toxicity and assess risk to the terrestrial organisms before agricultural application.
Method: In this study, novel boron nanomaterial (BNM) has been biologically synthesized and characterized by advanced analytical techniques. After evaluating its benefit to potato and mustard crops, its eco-toxicology assessment has been performed on plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and Caenorhabditis elegans.
Results: The biogenic BNM increases the yield of mustard and potato plants. Boron nanomaterial supports growth of soil bacteria and egg laying in C. elegans within the range of agriculturally relevant dose of boron. Nano boron has no negative effect on these terrestrial organisms even beyond agriculturally useful dose unlike conventional bulk fertilizer borax.
Conclusion: Biogenic boron nanomaterial can be explored as an efficacious non-toxic alternative in place of the currently used borax based chemical fertilizer.
Keywords: Nanofertilizer, terrestrial model systems, eco-toxicology assessment, boron nanomaterial, sustainable agriculture

Audience Take Away Notes:

• Understanding Nanofertilizer Synthesis and Application:
  Usage: Audience members will learn about the synthesis process and characterization of novel boron nanomaterials     (BNM), including advanced analytical techniques
  Benefit: This knowledge can help researchers and practitioners develop and utilize more effective nanofertilizers, enhancing crop yields and sustainability
• Eco-Toxicology Assessment of Nanomaterials:
  Usage: Attendees will gain insights into the methodologies for assessing the eco- toxicological impact of nanomaterials on terrestrial model systems such as plant growth- promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and Caenorhabditis elegans
  Benefit: This information will be valuable for those involved in environmental risk assessment and regulatory compliance, ensuring safe agricultural practices
• Comparison with Conventional Fertilizers:
  Usage: The presentation will highlight the comparative advantages of biogenic BNM over conventional bulk fertilizers like borax, focusing on efficacy and non-toxicity
  Benefit: Agronomists and agricultural engineers can leverage this comparison to choose safer and more effective fertilizers, leading to healthier crops and reduced environmental impact
• Research and Educational Opportunities:
  Usage: The findings can be utilized by other faculty members to expand their research on nanomaterials and eco-toxicology, as well as in teaching advanced topics in sustainable agriculture and environmental science
  Benefit: This will foster collaborative research efforts, enhance educational curricula, and inspire new studies that build on the presented work
  
  Additional benefits:
• Networking and Collaboration:
  The presentation will facilitate networking opportunities among professionals, fostering collaborations that can advance the field of nanotechnology in agriculture.·
• Educational Enhancement:
  Educators can incorporate the latest research findings into their curriculum, providing students with up-to-date knowledge and skills in nanotechnology and sustainable agriculture.
• Regulatory Insights:
  Policy makers and regulatory bodies will benefit from understanding the safety profiles of new agricultural products, aiding in the development of guidelines and standards.