Our study demonstrated the possible use of cylindrically cubic MAS nanoparticles as an effective alternative for the control of Fusarium root rot in tomato. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

There is a growing interest in the development of alternative strategies in plant disease management to reduce dependency on synthetic chemicals. In this study, we described synthesis and evaluation of the direct antifungal activity of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) compared to metalaxyl (recommended fungicide) against A. solani under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. The structural features of MSN such as high porosity, small particle size and suitable shape contributed to its high antifungal efficacy against Alternaria solani. Laboratory synthesized MSN showed marked increase in tomato growth parameters compared to untreated control. Our study presents promising results of the use of MSN as an effective and safe alternative of fungicides for managing tomato early blight.

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This study monitored the presence of organochlorines in drinking water in Kafr‐El‐Sheikh, Ebshan, Elhamoul, Mehalt Aboali, Fowa, Balteem, and Metobess in the Kafr‐El‐Sheikh Governorate, Egypt, to evaluate the efficiencies of different remediation techniques (advanced oxidation processes [AOPs] and bioremediation) for removing the most frequently detected compound (i.e., lindane) in drinking water. The results showed the presence of several organochlorine residues at all water sampling sites. Lindane was detected with high frequency relative to other detected organochlorines in water. Nano photo‐Fenton‐like reagent was the most effective treatment for lindane removal in drinking water. Bioremediation of lindane by effective microorganisms removed 100% of the initial concentration of lindane after 23 days of treatment. The study found that there is no remaining toxicity of lindane‐contaminated water after remediation on treated rats relative to the control with respect to histopathological changes in the liver and kidneys. Therefore, AOPs, particularly those with nanomaterials and bioremediation, can be regarded as safe and effective remediation technologies for lindane in water.

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