Global analysis of the perturbation effects of metal‐based nanoparticles on soil nitrogen cycling

Although studies have investigated the effects of metal‐based nanoparticles (MNPs) on soil biogeochemical processes, the results obtained thus far are highly variable. Moreover, we do not yet understand how the impact of MNPs is affected by experimental design and environmental conditions. Herein, we conducted a global analysis to synthesize the effects of MNPs on 17 variables associated with soil nitrogen (N) cycling from 62 studies. Our results showed that MNPs generally exerted inhibitory effects on N‐cycling process rates, N‐related enzyme activities, and microbial variables. The response of soil N cycling varied with MNP type, and exposure dose was the most decisive factor for the variations in the responses of N‐cycling process rates and enzyme activities. Notably, Ag/Ag2S and CuO had dose‐dependent inhibitory effects on ammonia oxidation rates, while CuO and Zn/ZnO showed hormetic effects on nitrification and denitrification rates, respectively. Other experimental design factors (e.g., MNP size and exposure duration) also regulated the effect of MNPs on soil N cycling, and specific MNPs, such as Ag/Ag2S, exerted stronger effects during long‐term (>28 days) exposure. Environmental conditions, including soil pH, organic carbon, texture, and presence/absence of plants, significantly influenced MNP toxicity. For instance, the effects of Ag/Ag2S on the ammonia oxidation rate and the activity of leucine aminopeptidase were more potent in acid (pH <6), organic matter‐limited (organic carbon content ≤10 g kg−1), and coarser soils. Overall, these results provide new insights into the general mechanisms by which MNPs alter soil N processes in different environments and underscore the urgent need to perform multivariate and long‐term in situ trials in simulated natural environments.