Mechanistic insights in to biocompatible-metal nanoparticles in modulating soil enzyme and its convergence in soil health improvement

Thriving agriculture depends on healthy soil, influencing nutrient cycling, microbial diversity, and enzyme activity. Chemical contaminants and intensive agricultural methods have led to significant soil degradation. Emerging as a practical method for restoring soil microbial balance and increasing enzyme activity using metal-based biocompatible nanoparticles (B-NPs). We summarize the molecular processes of B-NPs, specifically ZnO, Fe₂O₃, Ag, and CuO, that regulate soil enzymatic activity-mediated microbial populations and their interaction with soil, including the effects of B-NP size, surface charge, and dissolution tendency. Microbial respiration, enhanced favourable microbial diversity, and activation of key enzymatic activities, such as dehydrogenase, urease, and phosphatase, all of which are required for the nitrogen and phosphate cycles at ideal concentrations, were improved by B-NPs. Together with the potential of B-NPs in improving soil structure, nutrient bioavailability, and microbial metabolism to mitigate environmental issues, the possible ecological consequences were also thoroughly explored, while stressing the potential advantages of metal nanoparticles in enhancing soil fertility. This review suggests a future perspective for addressing potential ecotoxicity and bioaccumulation issues, emphasizing the optimization of B-NPs formulations, elucidating molecular interactions, and establishing control mechanisms for safe and sustainable use in soil health management.