Summary
This narrative review synthesises contemporary research on zinc oxide and titanium dioxide nanoparticle impacts across the soil-microbe-plant continuum, integrating toxicological findings, mechanistic insights, and risk assessment frameworks. By consolidating fragmented evidence on long-term persistence, ecological disruption, and bioavailability, the authors provide conceptual tools and practical guidelines for stakeholders evaluating and managing nanoparticle-associated risks, including monitoring, remediation strategies, and safer nanomaterial usage protocols.
Regional applicability
The review addresses global anthropogenic sources of engineered nanoparticles and their environmental persistence, making findings relevant to United Kingdom agricultural and industrial contexts where such nanomaterials are manufactured and applied. Applicability depends on whether UK soil conditions, microbial communities, and regulatory frameworks align with those studied in source literature; transfer to UK practice would require site-specific risk assessment.
Key measures
Soil physicochemical parameters; microbial function and enzyme activity; plant health impacts; nanoparticle bioavailability and persistence; toxicological mechanisms; risk assessment endpoints
Outcomes reported
The review synthesises toxicological effects of ZnO and TiO₂ nanoparticles on soil physicochemical properties, microbial function, enzyme activity, and plant health across the soil-microbe-plant continuum. It evaluates bioavailability, persistence, and ecological disruption whilst proposing monitoring and remediation strategies.
Topic tags
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