Environmental Toxicity of Engineered Carbon Nanoparticles

The employment of nanotechnological tools is increasing at a very rapid pace in modern agricultural systems. Among a gamut of nanoparticles employed, carbon nanoparticles are also being explored as potential tools for increasing plant productivity. Due to their broad spectrum biocidal activity, they are projected as future biocontrol agents. However, the multifarious approach not only reduces the chances of resistance in pathogens but also puts forward the potential off-target effects of using these nanoparticles. The practice of agriculture is highly reliant on plant–microbe symbiotic relations. Therefore, nanoparticle accumulation in agricultural systems could disrupt this relationship. The interference of nanoparticles with the genetic material of plants and microbes can lead to the generation of mutant strains and serotypes with unpredictable outcomes. Additionally, the repetitive exposure of rhizosphere microbes to carbon nanomaterials can lead to significant alterations in the rhizosphere microbiome that might significantly change plant productivity. In the current chapter, we have highlighted toxicity associated with the nanomaterials originating from carbon and potential harmful effects that might alter plant productivity. We have also tried to highlight the potential mechanism governing their off-target effects on the beneficial soil microbes.