Chitosan Nanoparticle for Loading and Release of Nitrogen, Potassium, and Phosphorus Nutrients

In the present study, chitosan nanoparticle (Ch NP) was prepared by polymerizing methacrylic acid for loading of nitrogen (N), potassium (K), and phosphorus (P) nutrients as fertilizer. Nutrient loading was done by suspensions of Ch nanoparticles with urea, calcium phosphate, and potassium chloride as sources of N, P, and K, respectively. The products were characterized by dynamic light scattering for determination of size and size distribution, zeta potential for signification of surface charge, scanning electron microscopy for investigation of size and morphology, Fourier transform infrared spectrum for characterization of functional group, UV-Vis spectroscopy for phosphorus loading, atomic adsorption spectroscopy for potassium loading, and KJDAL digestion method for nitrogen loading. The amount of nutrient release was investigated after 168 h in water solution at room temperature. According to the results, nutrient loading caused the increase in the size and the decrease in the stability due to loaded components. However, the percentage of nutrient loading differs not so much, but the percentage of nutrient release differs. Based on the obtained results, Ch NP is a good candidate as fertilizer for agricultural applications.