Multiomics analysis reveals a substantial decrease in nanoplastics uptake and associated impacts by nano zinc oxide...

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Environmental Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Nanoplastics (NPs) pose a significant threat to sustainable agriculture, impacting crop development and productivity.
• Understanding NP toxicity mechanisms and developing mitigation strategies are crucial for crop protection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of zinc oxide nanoparticles (nZnO) in mitigating the adverse effects of nanoplastics on fragrant rice.
• To elucidate the protective mechanisms of nZnO against nanoplastic-induced toxicity in rice.

Main Methods:

• Application of optimized nZnO concentrations (25 mg L⁻¹) to rice seedlings exposed to nanoplastics (50 mg L⁻¹).
• Microscopy, Zeta potential, and FTIR analysis to study NP accumulation and nZnO interaction.
• Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses to identify molecular pathways affected by NPs and nZnO.

Main Results:

• Optimized nZnO application rescued root length and structural integrity by enhancing oxidative stress response and nutrient balance.
• nZnO formed aggregates with NPs, preventing their uptake by rice roots and accumulating on root surfaces.
• Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed nZnO's role in restoring key metabolic pathways, including 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP) biosynthesis.

Conclusions:

• Optimized nZnO application effectively alleviates nanoplastic toxicity in fragrant rice, restoring root structure and enhancing aroma production.
• nZnO acts as a protective agent by interacting with NPs, thereby reducing their bioavailability and mitigating phytotoxicity.
• This study highlights the potential of essential micronutrient nanomaterials as a sustainable agricultural strategy to combat environmental pollution.