Recent insights into the impact, fate and transport of cerium oxide nanoparticles in the plant-soil continuum

Abstract

The advent of the nanotechnology era offers a unique opportunity for sustainable agriculture provided that the exposure and toxicity are adequately assessed and properly controlled. The global production and application of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2-NPs) in various industrial sectors have tremendously increased. Most of the nanoparticles end up in water and soil where they interact with soil microorganisms and plants. Investigating the uptake, translocation and accumulation of CeO2-NPs is critical for its safe application in agriculture. Plant uptake of CeO2-NPs may lead to their accumulation in different plant tissues and interference with key metabolic processes of plants. Soil microbes can also be affected by increasing CeO2-NPs in soil, leading to changes in the physiology and enzymatic activity of soil microorganisms. The interactions between CeO2-NPs, microbes and plants in the agricultural system need systemic research in ecologically relevant conditions. In the present review, The uptake pathways and in-planta translocation of CeO2-NPs,and their impact on plant morphology, nutritional values, antioxidant enzymes and molecular determinants are presented. The role of CeO2-NPs in modifying soil microbial community in plant rhizosphere is also discussed. Overall, the review aims to provide a comprehensive account on the behaviour of CeO2-NPs in soil-plant systems and their potential impacts on the soil microbial community and plant health.

Keywords

• Cerium oxide nanoparticles
• Plant physiology
• Nutritional value
• Antioxidant enzyme
• Soil microbial community