Effects of copper(II) ions and copper oxide nanoparticles on Elodea densa Planch.

Abstract

Effects of copper ions and copper oxide nanoparticles on lipid peroxidation rate, activities of anti-oxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase), and photosynthesis have been studied in experiments with Elodea densa Planch. The results show that nanoparticles are more actively accumulated by plants. Both copper ions and nanoparticles activate lipid peroxidation (to 120 and 180% of the control level, respectively). Catalase and superoxide dismutase activities in plants treated with nanoparticles increase by a factor of 1.5–2.0. Copper ions suppress photosynthesis at a concentration of 0.5 mg/l, whereas nanoparticles produce such an effect only at 1.0 mg/l. The observed effects of different forms of copper on E. densa are discussed in a comparative aspect.