Nanotechnology and Agriculture: Detection, Monitoring and Remediation of Contaminants

Abstract

Nanotechnology applied in the food sector is relatively new, however recently it is one of the areas with the highest growth. This is because it offers a great innovative way to produce a sufficient quantity of high quality food, while minimizing the imminent risk of agrochemicals. Pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers have been used indiscriminately for the sole purpose of maintaining food safety, regardless of the associated health risks. The development of new nanodevices in agriculture has shown better efficiency for the production of quality food. The potential for nanotechnology to transform current agricultural practices will help reduce the amount of carcinogenic pesticides that reach humans through the consumption of foods highly exposed to these substances. This to maintain food security, as well as to prevent the excess of agrochemicals from generating microbial resistance. The dosage and controlled release of nanoparticulate agrochemicals increase their effectiveness, generating food that is resistant to pest attack for a longer time compared to crops obtained by traditional methods. This review aims to outline the uses and applications of the devices, pesticides and fertilizers generated by nanoagriculture. It will also show how these will help to enhance traditional agriculture techniques, which offer positive results in health, sustainability, and the minimization of pollution.