Research

Life Sciences & Biotechnology

Title :

Nano-bioremediation of neonicotinoid pesticides used in subtropical horticultural crops

Area of research :

Life Sciences & Biotechnology

Principal Investigator :

Dr. Govind Kumar, ICAR-Central Institute For Subtropical Horticulture, Uttar Pradesh

Timeline Start Year :

2023

Timeline End Year :

2026

Contact info :

Equipments :

Details

Executive Summary :

The excessive use of neonicotinoid insecticides and pesticides in the U.P., particularly in regions like Mallihabad, Kakori, Barabanki, Sitapur, and Sandilla, has compromised soil and plant health, leading to the development of resistance to pests and phytopathogens. This has resulted in the degraded soil ecosystem and various diseases in both plants and humans. Nano-bioremediation, a combination of nanotechnology and bioremediation, is an eco-friendly and sustainable approach to combat these pesticides. The increased catalysis and adsorption capabilities of nanomaterials, such as nanochitosan, nanozeolite, and nano Fe2O3, have attracted interest due to their extreme responsiveness. This study focuses on the removal of neonicotinoid pesticides using microbial technology, plant systems, and their applications in mango and other horticultural crops. However, the use of bioremediation and nanomaterials for organic pollutants degradation is not well understood, and it is unclear whether combining approaches is necessary to increase contaminant adsorption capabilities. The ultimate objective is to address novel concepts related to interactions among pollutants, microorganisms, and nanomaterials, along with plant systems, to produce a nano-bioformulation (NBF) for bioremediation processes. The progress of the nano-bioremediation study will be analyzed using multiomics approaches, and neonicotinoid pesticide removal/residues and compound detection will be performed using GC-MS, HPLC, and FTIR analysis.

Total Budget (INR):

34,64,449

Organizations involved