Plant uptake and accumulation of engineered metallic nanoparticles from lab to field conditions

The potential entrance of engineered nanoparticle (ENP) elements into the food chain through their accumulation in plant tissues has been a chief concern associated with the rapid development of nanotechnology. Research has established that both primary ENPs and the dissolved ions (from metallic ENPs) can be directly taken up by plants, including ENPs with diameters larger than the size exclusion limits (SELs) of plant roots. Plant ENP uptake is subjected to significant impacts of a range of biotic and abiotic environmental factors. The extent of impact of these factors depends on plant species, ENP properties and soil conditions.