Toxic effects of 1-methyl-3-octylimidazolium bromide on the wheat seedlings

The toxic effects of 1-methyl-3-octylimidazolium bromide ([C8mim]Br) on wheat seedlings were evaluated. Wheat seedlings were cultivated in aqueous solution with [C8mim]Br at different concentrations (0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 mg/L). The contents of photosynthetic pigment and proline, peroxidation of membrane lipid, and activities of antioxidation enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase) in leaves were measured on day 7 after treatment with [C8mim]Br. The results showed that [C8mim]Br significantly decreased the contents of photosynthetic pigments, activities of antioxidant enzymes in the wheat leaves and in dry weight of seedlings, while increased the proline content and membrane lipid peroxidation. The results suggested that [Csmim]Br can inhibit photosynthesis and lead to oxidative stress to wheat seedlings.