Abstract
The adverse effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) with an average diameter of 25nm on the aquatic plant Salvinia natans (L.) All. were determined. Growth, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, catalase (CAT) activity, peroxidase activity, and chlorophyll content of the plants were measured after 7days of exposure to different concentrations of ZnO NPs (1 to 50mgL(-1)). The particle distribution in the culture medium (without plants) during the first 24h was determined using a Nanotrac 250 particle analyzer. We also investigated the zinc accumulation in leaves and roots of the plant after 7days of exposure. Exposure to 50mgL(-1) ZnO NPs significantly increased SOD and CAT activities (P < 0.05) and significantly depressed photosynthetic pigments (P < 0.05). However, plant growth was not significantly affected (P > 0.05). NPs completely precipitated at the bottom of the container at 8h except for the portions of dissolution and aggregation on the roots. ZnO NPs at a concentration of 50mgL(-1) can adversely affect S. natans, and their stress is affected by their aggregation and dissolution.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call