Group of X-ray Spectrometry
Laboratory of Nuclear Instrumentation
Center of Nuclear Energy in Agriculture
University of São Paulo -Brazil
Photons for Agriculture and Environment
Absorption, Transport and Metabolism of Nanomaterials by Plants
Nanomaterials present properties that strongly differ from those exhibited by bulk ones. Such features have been employed in several "on the shelf goods" such as catalysts, electronic devices, polishing pastes among others.
There is a major concern regarding the impact of nanomaterials on the environment. Studies have shown that they may be highly toxic. On the other hand, scientific investigations also show that nanoparticles may promote plant development.
The only way to feed the growing human and cattle population, without increasing the crop areas, is to improve field performance. Our group is currently exploring the frontiers between risk and opportunity regarding the use of nanomaterials as fertilizers.
FAPESP 2015/05942-0
FAPESP 2016/50014-6
Nanomaterials present properties that strongly differ from those exhibited by bulk ones. Such features have been employed in several "on the shelf goods" such as catalysts, electronic devices, polishing pastes among others.
There is a major concern regarding the impact of nanomaterials on the environment. Studies have shown that they may be highly toxic. On the other hand, scientific investigations also show that nanoparticles may promote plant development.
The only way to feed the growing human and cattle population, without increasing the crop areas, is to improve field performance. Our group is currently exploring the frontiers between risk and opportunity regarding the use of nanomaterials as fertilizers.
FAPESP 2015/05942-0
FAPESP 2016/50014-6
Mobility and Chemical Transformation of Nanomaterials in Soil
Soil is one of the major storage place for several residues. In this context, nanoparticles may soon or late reach soils. This can happen unintentionally through incorrect disposal of goods containing nanoparticles, or intentionally once nanoparticles start to be used as fertlizers or pesticides in agriculture.
Thus, a very important question arises: "What is the fate of nanoparticles in soil?". In principle, it can be immobilized, transformed or move reaching water tables.
Our group has been investigating this topic. In laboratory experiments, as shown on the right, we are trying to understand the mobility and chemical transformation of nanoengineered materials in soil.
YSZ nanoparticles prepared at DTU-Energy, Denmark.
Soil columns used in our experiements
Using Rare Earth Elements to Boost Crop Yield
According to 2014’s US Geological Survey, the most important Rare Earth Elements (REE) reserves are held by China (42%), Brazil (17%) and Australia (2%). However, in this same report Brazil had no share on production of REE
They have been used for decades as beneficial elements in Chinese agriculture. Usually, they are applied as nitrates, phosphates or chlorides. Commercial products such as AzomiteTM and HappyHan GreenTM are easily found on the internet. However, quantitative data regarding the outcome of spreading REE on crops is scarce.
Besides that, so far, REE have no defined biological function. This project is on a very initial stage. Our group intends to carry out systematic investigations of the effect of REE on plant development. Using X-rays we plan to track REE translocation and chemical environment in the plant. We believe that these are key informations to understand the reported benefic output.