No abstract

In this study, the effects of TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles (0, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg kg−1) on seed germination, root elongation, chlorophyll content, and the activities of antioxidant enzymes of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) are studied. The number of seeds germinated and roots elongated in germinated plants (tillering stage) are determined on day 7. Seedlings are transferred to pots containing 50 g turf and grown for 21 days. Antioxidant levels (superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione, and proline) are determined on day 21 after planting. The results shows that seed germination and root elongation are not significantly affected by types and concentrations of ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles. However, the antioxidant enzyme activities are diversely affected. Furthermore, the results also show that the ZnO nanoparticles are more toxic to barley plants than the TiO2 nanoparticles.

The release of nanoparticles and biodegradable chelating agents into the environment may cause toxicological and ecotoxicological effects. The aim of this study is to determine the ecotoxic effects of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles and ethylenediamine disuccinic acid (EDDS) on most cultured four plants. The durum wheat, bread wheat, barley, and rye are exposed to 5 mL 10 mg L−1 ZnO nanoparticles and 10 mg L−1 EDDS in the seed germination stage. Results show that these different plant species have different responses to ZnO nanoparticles and EDDS. The germination percentage of bread wheat and rye decreases in the application of ZnO nanoparticles while the germination of durum wheat and barley increases as much as in radicle elongation and seedling vigor. While ZnO treatment causes a decrease in bread wheat and rye germinated rat in the range of 33–14.3%, respectively, there is no change in germination rate of these plants at EDDS treatment. In addition, EDDS treatment positively affects barley germination rate. In conclusion, it is clear that ZnO nanoparticles have more toxic effects on bread wheat and rye than EDDS, while barley is positively affected by ZnO nanoparticles and EDDS.

No abstract

No abstract