Nano-pesticides: Solution or threat for a cleaner and greener agriculture?

Nanotechnology has developed tremendously in the past decade and was able to create many new materials with a vast range of potential applications. Some of those innovative materials are promising to reduce environmental pollution. For instance, carbon nanotubes and metal nano-particles are great candidate materials for cleaning polluted water and soils.
However, the risk that nano-particles may pose to human and environment health is not yet fully understood. The precautionary principle therefore suggests keeping environmental release of nano-particles minimal until their fate and toxicity is better understood. “A good understanding of nano-materials is essential to evaluate whether the benefits overcome potential new risks”, explains Thilo Hofmann, dean elected at the Faculty of Geosciences, Geography and Astronomy of the University of Vienna.
Among numerous proposed applications, nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize agricultural practices and food systems.

Read more.. http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-06/uov-nso062012.php

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