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Microbial composting is one of the most cost-effective techniques for degradation, remediation, nutrition, etc. Currently, there is faster growth and development in nanotechnology in different sectors. This development leads nanoparticles (NPs) to enter into the composts in different ways. First, unintentional entry of NPs into the composts via: waste discharge, buried solid waste, surface runoff, direct disposal into wastes (consumer goods, food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products). Second, intentional mediation of the NPs in the composting process is a novel approach developed to enhance the degradation rate of wastes and as a nutrient for plants. The presence of NPs in the composts can cause nanotoxicity. Conversely, their presence might also be beneficial, such as soil reclamations, degradation, etc. Alternatively, metal NPs are also helpful for all living organisms, including microorganisms, in various biological processes, such as DNA replication, precursor biosynthesis, respiration, oxidative stress responses, and transcription. NPs show exemplary performance in multiple fields, whereas their role in composting process is worth studying. Consequently, this article aids the understanding of the role of NPs in the composting process and how far their presence can be beneficial. This article reviews the significance of NPs in: the composting process, microbial bioprocess performance during nano composting, basic life cycle assessment (LCA) of NP-mediated composting, and mode of action of the NPs in the soil matrix. This article also sheds insight on the notion of nanozymes and highlights their biocatalytic characterization, which will be helpful in future composting research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoproducts are gaining more importance in scientific society and the industrial sphere thus emerging as a new contaminant of the terrestrial systems including soil biology and biochemistry. Organic carbons are crucial in the growth and development of microorganisms and plants. Soil rich in organic carbon is considered as fertile. Enzymes like β-glucosidase, xylanases, and proteases are responsible for the last stage of complex organic matter degradation and the release of free carbon in the soil. Many of these enzymes may be considered as an important aspect for the policies pertaining to soil protection in the future keeping nanoparticle mediated toxicity of soil as a vital parameter. Due to accumulation of nanomaterials in soil, these activities may affect the function of enzymes and nutrient availability, but the detailed investigations are under developing phase. In this mini review, the authors have tried to establish a relationship between the negative impacts of nanoparticles on soil enzymes as a future concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO) were synthesized using cow dung extract to apply sustainable agriculture from rural resources. Studies on their antibacterial potential against E. coli DH 5 alpha indicated lower antimicrobial activities than the bulk Zn and commercial Zn nanoparticles. Compared with control and commercial ZnO nanoparticles, the maximum seed germination, root length, and shoot length were observed after the priming of synthesized ZnO NPs. This study suggests that ZnO may significantly increase seed germination and have lower antimicrobial potential. Further, the lower in-vitro cellular leakage and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production provided new hope for using cow dung extract mediated nanoparticles for agricultural and industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]