Phytotoxic effect of silver nanoparticles on seed germination and growth of terrestrial plants

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) exhibit size and concentration dependent toxicity to terrestrial plants, especially crops. AgNP exposure could decrease seed germination, inhibit seedling growth, affect mass and length of roots and shoots. The phytotoxic pathway has been partly understood. Silver (as element, ion or AgNP) accumulates in roots/leaves and triggers the defense mechanism at cellular and tissue levels, which alters metabolism, antioxidant activities and related proteomic expression. Botanical changes (either increase or decrease) in response to AgNP exposure include reactive oxygen species generation, superoxide dismutase activities, H₂O₂ level, total chlorophyll, proline, carotenoid, ascorbate and glutathione contents, etc. Such processes lead to abnormal morphological changes, suppression of photosynthesis and/or transpiration, and other symptoms. Although neutral or beneficial effects are also reported depending on plant species, adverse effects dominate in majority of the studies. More in depth research is needed to confidently draw any conclusions and to guide legislation and regulations.

Keywords:

• Silver nanoparticles
• seed germination
• terrestrial plants
• phytotoxic mechanism
• nano-bio interaction

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Acknowledgment

The authors wish to thank the Army Research Office for funding through a cooperative agreement with Johns Hopkins University (W911NF-122-0022) and the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) for the cooperative agreement 1U54MD013376-01A1, which supported the core research facilities used for this research.