A review of the perspectives of nanotechnology in agriculture and environment

Resumo

Since the elaboration of the concept of nanotechnology in 1959 on Richard Feynman, researchers of different areas of acknowledgment had an increased interest due to broad applicability. Nanotechnology could introduce benefits in various areas, like medicine and health, drugs, cosmetics, pigments, adhesives nanoelectronic and technology of computers, aeronautical and environment, biotechnology and agriculture, and others. Nanotechnology representing a new frontier in modern agriculture is anticipated to become a major thrust shortly by offering potential applications. This integrating approach, agri-nanotechnology, has great potential to cope with global challenges of food production insecurity, sustainability. However, despite the potential benefits of nanotechnology in agriculture so far, their relevance has not reached up to the field conditions. Nowadays, the applications of nanotechnology in agriculture have contributed to the development of technologies that range from seed improvement, plant growth, and protection, to herbicide/pesticide residue monitoring and pathogen detection. However, the present article aimed at a literature review emphasizing the positive and negative aspects of the use of nanotechnology in agriculture as well as its impact on the environment. For this purpose, different sources of research such as PubMed and Scielo were consulted with the following keywords: nanotechnology, nanoparticles, environment, and pesticides. The survey was conducted from 2000 to 2017. We conclude, however, that despite the wide range of benefits, further studies and specific legislation are needed that cautiously assess the risks and benefits of applying nanotechnology to agriculture and the environment.