Graphene oxide affects the symbiosis of legume-rhizobium and associated rhizosphere rhizobial communities

Abstract

The large-scale production and utilization of graphene oxide (GO) have raised concerns regarding its environmental exposure and potential risks. However, existing research on GO toxicity has primarily focused on individual organisms. Little attention has been given to the interaction between GO and the nitrogen-fixing symbiosis of legume-rhizobium. In this study, we focused on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), a typical leguminous nitrogen-fixing plant, to investigate the effects of GO on various aspects of this symbiotic relationship, including root nodulation, rhizobial viability, nodule nitrogen fixation, DNA damage, and the composition of the rhizobial community in the rhizosphere. As the dosage of GO increased, a significant inhibition in nodulation development was observed. Exposure to GO resulted in decreased growth and viability of rhizobia, as well as induced DNA damage in nodule cells. Furthermore, with increasing GO dosage, there were significant reductions in nitrogenase activity, leghemoglobin level, and cytoplasmic ammonia content within the root nodules. Additionally, the presence of GO led to notable changes in the rhizobial community in the rhizosphere. Our findings support the existence of the damage promoted by GO in the symbiosis of nitrogen fixing rhizobia with legumes. This underscores the importance of careful soil GO management.