Effects of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (Fe3O4) on Growth, Photosynthesis, Antioxidant Activity and Distribution of Mineral Elements in Wheat (Triticum aestivum) Plants

Abstract

Engineered nanoparticles (NPs) are considered potential agents for agriculture as fertilizers and growth enhancers. However, their action spectrum differs strongly, depending on the type of NP, its concentrations, and plant species per se, ranging from growth stimulation to toxicity. This work aimed to investigate effects of iron oxide (Fe3O4) NPs on growth, photosynthesis, respiration, antioxidant activity, and leaf mineral content of wheat plants. Wheat seeds were treated with NP for 3 h and plants were grown in the soil at two light intensities, 120 and 300 μmol (photons) m−2·s−1, followed by physiological assessment at several time points. High NP treatment (200 and 500 mg·L−1) enhanced plant growth, photosynthesis and respiration, as well as increasing the content of photosynthetic pigments in leaves. This effect depended on both the light intensity during plant growth and the age of the plants. Regardless of concentration and light intensity, an effect of NPs on the primary photochemical processes was not observed. Seed treatment with NP also led to increased activity of ascorbate peroxidase and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content in roots and leaves. Treatment with Fe3O4 also led to noticeable increases in the leaf Fe, P, and K content. It is concluded that iron oxide (Fe3O4)-based NP could enhance plant growth by improving photosynthetic performance and the availability of Fe and P.

Fe-Based Nanomaterial-Induced Root Nodulation Is Modulated by Flavonoids to Improve Soybean (Glycine max) Growth and Quality

“…The enhanced soybean growth by Fe-based NMs as compared to unexposed control and EDTA control might be due to the slow and sustained release of bioavailable Fe from NMs that can improve the nutrient efficiency and reduce nutrient surplus during the full life circle. 22,23 The time-dependent dissolution of 10 mg L −1 Fe−P and Fe 3 O 4 NMs in deionized (DI) water indicated that about 0.3% and 0.1% Fe were released from Fe− P and Fe 3 O 4 NMs after 144 h, respectively (Figure S2). These released Fe could easily enter leaves and take part in photosynthesis, nitrogen assimilation, hormone biosynthesis (gibberellic acid, jasmonic acid, ethylene), and flavonoid synthesis to facilitate plant growth.…”

“…Foliar treatment with 5 mg L –1 Fe–P and Fe 3 O 4 NMs, 10 mg L –1 Fe–P, and Fe 3 O 4 NMs, and EDTA-High were most effective for the promotion of fresh weight (Figure S1c,d). The enhanced soybean growth by Fe-based NMs as compared to unexposed control and EDTA control might be due to the slow and sustained release of bioavailable Fe from NMs that can improve the nutrient efficiency and reduce nutrient surplus during the full life circle. , The time-dependent dissolution of 10 mg L –1 Fe–P and Fe 3 O 4 NMs in deionized (DI) water indicated that about 0.3% and 0.1% Fe were released from Fe–P and Fe 3 O 4 NMs after 144 h, respectively (Figure S2). These released Fe could easily enter leaves and take part in photosynthesis, nitrogen assimilation, hormone biosynthesis (gibberellic acid, jasmonic acid, ethylene), and flavonoid synthesis to facilitate plant growth. , Interestingly, the number of nodules significantly improved by 50.0% and 35.4% in the presence of 10 mg L –1 Fe–P and Fe 3 O 4 NMs (Figure e), while all other treatments had no significant differences with control.…”

Fungal community remediate quartz tailings soil under plant combined with urban sludge treatments

“…Moreover, pH and Fe 2 O 3 negatively and significantly associated with Fusarium indicated that can inhibit pathogen. Notably, the content of Fe 2 O 3 increased after plant or plant combined with urban sludge treatments and then enhance plant biomass ( Feng Y. et al, 2022 ). This may be related to that the increase of pH is conducive to the dissociation of iron oxides ( Penn and Camberato, 2019 ).…”

Rational synthesis and characterization of temperature switching ZnFe2O4/ZnO nanocomposites used for anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant and seed germination properties

“…There is an urgent need to find affordable and environmentally friendly ways to use NPs as fertilizer to treat plants' iron deficiency-induced chlorosis. [28][29][30] Previous research has demonstrated that low concentrations of Fe 2 O 3 NPs can enhance the SPAD value, soluble sugar content, and soluble protein content in legumes, [31][32][33][34][35][36] watermelon, as well as the growth and germination of Lactuca sativa, 37 soybean, 38 and peanut plants. Fe 2 O 3 NPs cause oxidative stress in plants such as watermelon, citrus, 39 rice, 40 peanut, and soybean 38 when present in high quantities.…”