ZnO nanoparticles increase photosynthetic pigments and decrease lipid peroxidation in soil grown cilantro (Coriandrum...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Plant Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Nanotechnology growth raises environmental concerns, particularly regarding terrestrial plants.
• The impact of nanomaterials on primary producers in the food chain requires thorough investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (N ZnO), bulk ZnO (B ZnO), and ionic zinc (I Zn) on cilantro plants (Coriandrum sativum).
• To evaluate the impact of varying zinc compound concentrations on plant physiology and biochemistry.

Main Methods:

• Cilantro plants were grown in soil with different zinc compounds (N ZnO, B ZnO, I Zn) at concentrations from 0-400 mg/kg for 35 days.
• Analysis included photosynthetic pigments, lipid peroxidation, 1H-NMR metabolic profiling, and ICP-based metallomics.

Main Results:

• All zinc compounds significantly increased chlorophyll content by over 50%.
• N ZnO at 400 mg/kg reduced lipid peroxidation by 70% and altered metabolic profiles.
• Highest zinc uptake occurred with B ZnO (roots) and I Zn (shoots).

Conclusions:

• N ZnO, at concentrations below 400 mg/kg, enhances photosynthetic pigments in cilantro.
• N ZnO improves the defense response in cilantro plants grown in organic soil.
• The study highlights the differential effects of various zinc forms on plant physiology.