Nanosensors and Their Role in Recycling of Agricultural Wastes

Abstract

A huge of agriculutural waste is generated every year throughout the world leading to environmental burden due to pollutant and greenhouse gas emitted by them. The advancement in nanotechnology and uses of nanosensors helps in recycling the agricultural waste and in turn promoting sustainable agriculture practices. Nanosensors are the analytical tools that are highly specific and sensitive and helps tracking and surveillance of important agricultural parameters. In this chapter the various types of nanosensors like optical, chemical, biosensors and their utility in monitoring soil quality, seed quality, plant diseases, plant nutrition, irrigation etc. are discussed. Nanosensors also aids in various process of recycling agriculture wastes like composting, biogas production, mulching. They assists in real time monitoring of biological process and contaminants detection that improves product quality along with cost-effectiveness. They help out in monitoring and regulating various inhibitory factors. They also participates in biomass conversion process like fermentation, pyrolysis, combustion and gasification for better yields and waste valorization. Another important role that biosensors plays is that evaluation of environmental emissions and managing carbon footprint emissions. However, there are still some challenges to be addressed that are scalability, economic viability, specificity, farmers acceptance. Nanosensors are future technology designed to revolutionized agriculture practices by optimizing resources, waste recycling and management in a eco-friendly manner. Scientists are also integrating IoT systems to improve their potential. This chapter deals with the role of nanosensors in sustainable agriculture practices and recycling agricultural products to generate valuable products in a economical way to reduce environmental burden.