The effects of iron-based nanomaterials (Fe NMs) on plants under stressful environments: Machine learning-assisted meta-analysis

Mitigating the adverse effects of stressful environments on crops and promoting plant recovery in contaminated sites are critical to agricultural development and environmental remediation. Iron-based nanomaterials (Fe NMs) can be used as environmentally friendly nano-fertilizer and as a means of ecological remediation. A meta-analysis was conducted on 58 independent studies from around the world to evaluate the effects of Fe NMs on plant development and antioxidant defense systems in stressful environments. The application of Fe NMs significantly enhanced plant biomass (mean = 25%, CI = 20%–30%), while promoting antioxidant enzyme activity (mean = 14%, CI = 10%–18%) and increasing antioxidant metabolite content (mean = 10%, CI = 6%–14%), reducing plant oxidative stress (mean = −15%, CI = −20%∼-10%), and alleviating the toxic effects of stressful environments. The observed response was dependent on a number of factors, which were ranked in terms of a Random Forest Importance Analysis. Plant species was the most significant factor, followed by Fe NM particle size, duration of application, dose level, and Fe NM type. The meta-analysis has demonstrated the potential of Fe NMs in achieving sustainable agriculture and the future development of phytoremediation. [Display omitted] •Plant species is the most critical factor affecting the plant antioxidant system.•Fe NMs in the size range 20–50 nm deliver enhanced promotion of plant biomass.•Longer duration of application is more beneficial to plants in a stressed environment.•Fe NMs dose