Main description:

Physicochemical Interactions of Engineered Nanoparticles and Plants: A Systemic Approach, Volume Four in the Nanomaterial-Plant Interactions series, presents foundational information on how ENMs interact with the surrounding environment. Key themes include source, fate and transport of ENMs in the environment, biophysicochemical transformations of ENMs, and chemical reactions and mechanisms of ENMs transport in plants. This book is an essential read for any scientist or researcher looking to understand the molecular interactions between ENMs and Plants.

Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) reach plant ecosystems through intentional or unintentional pathways. In any case, after release, these materials may be transformed in the environment by physical, chemical and biochemical processes. Once in contact with plant systems, biotransformation may still occur, affecting or stimulating plant metabolism. Since plants are the producers to the food chain, it is of paramount importance to understand these mechanisms at the molecular level.

Contents:

Section I. Introduction 1. Why is this topic important? 2. Source, fate and transport of ENMs in the environment, especially those that may eventually reach plant systems.

Section II Biogeochemical cycle of ENMs before plant exposure explained at the molecular level 3. Biophysicochemical transformations of ENMs in soil 4. Biophysicochemical transformations of ENMs in water 5. Biophysicochemical transformations of ENMs in air

Section III Molecular interaction of ENMs and plants: Reactions and mechanisms 6. Biophysicochemical transformation of ENMs at the root level 7. Chemical reactions and mechanisms of ENMs transport in plants 8. Biotransformation of ENMs in leaves 9. ENMs and plants: Are the reaction products more or less toxic? 10. Biodegradation of plants laden with ENMs