Chitosan is a natural biopolymer modified from chitins which act as a potential biostimulant and elicitor in agriculture. It is non-toxic, biodegradable and biocompatible which favors potentially broad application. It enhances the physiological response and mitigates the adverse effect of abiotic stresses through stress transduction pathway via secondary messenger(s). Chitosan treatment stimulates photosynthetic rate, stomatal closure through ABA synthesis; enhances antioxidant enzymes via nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide signaling pathways, and induces production of organic acids, sugars, amino acids and other metabolites which are required for the osmotic adjustment, stress signaling, and energy metabolism under stresses. It is also known to form complexes with heavy metals and used as tool for phytoremediation and bioremediation of soil. Besides, this is used as antitranspirant compound through foliar application in many plants thus reducing water use and ensures protection from other negative effects. Based on such beneficial properties, chitosan is utilized in sustainable agricultural practices owing to changing climates. Our review gathers the recent information on chitosan centered upon the abiotic stress responses which could be useful in future crop improvement programs.
The rise in environmental pollutant levels in recent years is mostly attributable to anthropogenic activities such as industrial, agricultural and other activities. Additionally, these activities may produce excessive levels of dangerous toxicants such as heavy metals, organic pollutants including pesticide and herbicide chemicals, and sewage discharges from residential and commercial sources. With a focus on environmentally friendly, sustainable technology, new technologies such as combined process of nanotechnology and bioremediation are urgently needed to accelerate the cost-effective remediation process to alleviate toxic contaminants than the conventional remediation methods. Numerous studies have shown that nanoparticles possess special qualities including improved catalysis and adsorption as well as increased reactivity. Currently, microorganisms and their extracts are being used as promising, environmentally friendly catalysts for engineered nanomaterial. In the long term, this combination of both technologies called nano-bioremediation may significantly alter the field of environmental remediation since it is more intelligent, safe, environmentally friendly, economical and green. This review provides an overview of soil and water remediation techniques as well as the use of nano-bioremediation, which is made from various living organisms. Additionally, current developments related to the mechanism, model and kinetic studies for remediation of agricultural contaminants have been discussed.
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