Toxicological concerns of nanomaterials on agricultural soil fertility and environment

Nanotechnology-driven products are widely available in the world market. They are being used in various fields including the highly acclaimed and important application in agriculture. Nanopesticides and nanofertilizer are found to be useful in achieving increased agricultural output. On the contrary, the extensive use of nanomaterials also fetched scientific attention towards their harmful effects. The nanomaterials use to reach agricultural soil and get accumulated. The nanomaterials accumulated in the soil get absorbed by the plants along with the other nutrients present in the soil and translocated across the plant parts, leading to phytotoxicity. In addition, the nanomaterials also show a negative impact on soil microflora, leading to a reduction in soil fertility. The nanomaterials released into water bodies can exert toxicological effects on aquatic flora and fauna, causing aquatic toxicity. Considering these concerns, there is a need to discuss the toxicological impacts of nanomaterials on the agriculture and environment. The present chapter is an attempt to focus on all the factors leading to harmful effects on soil fertility, and related environment.