Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
chlorinated and nitroaromatic compounds under anaerobic
environmental conditions (O'Hara et al., 2006). Another appli-
cation of nanoparticles is the sequestration of metallic ion and
heavy metal from aqueous solutions (e.g. Ag, Hg, Pb, Cu, Zn,
Sb, Mn, Fe, As, Ni, Al, Pt, Pd and Ru). In the presence of mag-
netic ions such as iron sulphide, heavy metals precipitate onto
the bacterial cell wall, making the bacteria sufficiently mag-
netised for removal from the suspension by magnetic separa-
tion procedure. Research has shown that certain bacteria could
produce iron sulphonamide. These particles could be used for
the removal of harmful agents from the surrounding environ-
ment. This new method employs molecular templates to coat
nanoparticles of magnetite with mesoporous silica.
5.9
Conclusion
Nanotechnology opens up avenues for new innovations in the var-
ious dimensions of biological sciences, especially in agriculture.
It not only paves the way to combat the various environmental
issues due to global warming but also provides a solution to the
major problems in agriculture. Many other limitations faced by
conventional and other technologies in agriculture can be easily
and efficiently addressed through this technology. Even though
it has fruitful applications in every sector, still there are no rules
and recommendations for its safe and benign use. Therefore, its
handling guidelines should be formulated and should come into
effect to realise the optimum benefit of nanotechnology in agri-
culture and other areas to combat global warming.
Suggested reading
Arora, S., Sharma, P., Kumar, S., Nayan, R., Khanna,
P.K. and Zaidi, M.G.H. 2012. Gold-nanoparticle induced
enhancement in growth and seed yield of
Brassica juncea
.
Plant
Growth Regul.
66: 303-310.
Barik, T.K., Sahu, B. and Swain, V. 2008. Nanosilica—
From medicine to pest control.
Parasitol. Res.
103(2): 253-258.
Bennett, J. 2003. Opportunities for increasing water productivity
of CGIAR crops through plant breeding and molecular biology.
In:
Water Productivity for Agriculture: Limits and Opportunities
from Improvement,
J.W. Kijne, R. Barker and D. Molden, (eds.),
Wallingford, CAB, UK. pp. 103-126.
Bhatnagar-Mathur, P., Vadez, V. and Sharma, K.K.
2008. Transgenic approaches for abiotic stress tolerance in
plants: Retrospect and prospects.
Plant Cell Rep
. 27: 411-424.
