Phytotoxic effects of biosynthesized ZnO nanoparticles using Betonica officinalis extract

The unique properties of nanoparticles create broad opportunities as regards their application in almost all disciplines of science and technology. There are many reports about the negative influence of nanoproducts on the environment and humans. Therefore, it is of vital importance to explore the impact of metal nanoparticles on plants. This is why this work is concerned with the phytotoxic activity of ZnO nanoparticles synthesized biologically from Betonica officinalis extract against the seed of Lepidium sativum, Linum flavum, Zea mays and Salvia hispanica-Chia. The obtained ZnO nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Those methods made it possible to assess the structure and size of the obtained ZnO nanoparticles, which was 5 nm. The obtained ZnO nanoparticles exhibited significant toxic properties throughout the range of the tested concentrations. ZnO nanoparticles were the most toxic to Lepidium sativum, for which the IC50 value was 0.0000112 [mg/ml]. The solution of Zn(NO3)2 was toxic as well, as it inhibited the growth of the tested sample throughout the range of the tested concentrations.