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Updated: Jul 21, 2025

Transport of Surface-modified Carbon Nanotubes through a Soil Column
Published on: April 2, 2015
Unveiling the Effects of Carbon-Based Nanomaterials on Crop Growth: From Benefits to Detriments
Keteng Li1,2, Hao Tan1, Jialing Li1,2,3
1College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China.
Abstract:
To systematically assess the impact of typical CNMs on the growth effects of cereal crops, we conducted a meta-analysis of 48 independent studies worldwide. The pooled results showed that shoot weight (13.39%) and antioxidant metabolite content (SOD: 106.32%, POD: 32.29%, CAT: 22.63%) of cereal crops exposed to the presence of CNMs were significantly increased, but phytohormones secretion (17.84%) was inhibited. The results of subgroup analysis showed that there were differences in the results of different CNM types with the same exposure concentration on growth effects. Short-term exposure adversely affected the root and photosynthetic capacity of the crop, but prolonged exposure instead showed a promoting effect. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the concentration of CNMs and cereal variety variables were significantly associated with changes in multiple growth effect values. This work could offer references and fresh perspectives for investigating how nanoparticles and crops interact.
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