Evaluation of Nanopesticide Fate and Transport and Biogeochemical Implications in Agroecosystems

PROJECT SUMMARY Recent discoveries of nanopesticide influence on bacterial denitrification and degradation of neonicotinoid pesticides provides an urgency to understand the impacts of these nanopesticides in realistic field settings. The persistence, transport, and functional response of microbes to these engineered nanomaterials is only just being explored now at the laboratory setting. Therefore, the overarching goals of the proposed work is to i) evaluate nanopesticide impact on the nitrogen cycle, ii) quantify their persistence, and iii) identify transport scenarios of nanopesticide usage in two distinct agricultural settings (Midwest and Northwest). Potential nitrification and denitrification activity will be asses using microcosms of field and riparian soils. Persistence and transport pathways will be assessed using coupled mesocosms and field scale studies to ensure findings are comparable in realistic settings. Lastly, a nanopesticide fate and transport model for both nanopesticide runoff and leaching into the vadose zone will be completed using a variety of fate and transport models. Findings are anticipated to provide novel insight to nanopesticide detection, transport, fate, degradation, and characterization. Results will guide growers and the nanopesticide market on innovative methods for improving and/or maintaining crop productivity while preserving and protecting environmental/soil health and sustainability of our natural resource base. Expected deliverables include: i) realistic recommendations for minimizing environmental impacts of nanopesticides, ii) fate and transport methodology of nanopesticides that will be transferable and scalable to other questions in agricultural fields and downstream best management practices, iii) predictive modeling capabilities for nanopesticide fate and transport, and iv) undergraduate and graduate training.