Features of Copper and Gold Nanoparticle Translocation in Petroselinum crispum Segments

Abstract

The application of metal nanoparticles in industry and medicine results in their release into the environment, which can have a negative impact on human health. The effects of gold (AuNPs) and copper (CuNPs) nanoparticles at the concentration range of 1–200 mg/L on parsley (Petroselinum crispum) under conditions of root exposure and their translocation in roots and leaves were investigated in a 10-day experiment. The content of copper and gold in soil and plant segments was determined using ICP-OES and ICP-MS techniques, while the morphology of nanoparticles was analyzed using transmission electron microscopy. Differences in the nanoparticle uptake and translocation were observed: CuNPs mainly accumulated in soil (4.4–465 mg/kg), while accumulation in the leaves were at the control level. AuNPs mainly accumulated in soil (0.04–108 mg/kg), followed by roots (0.05–45 mg/kg) and leaves (0.16–53 mg/kg). The influence of AuNPs and CuNPs on the biochemical parameters of parsley was on the content of carotenoids, the levels of chlorophyll, and antioxidant activity. Application of CuNPs even at the lowest concentration led to a significant reduction in carotenoids and total chlorophyll content. AuNPs at low concentrations promoted an increase in the content of carotenoids; however, they also significantly reduced it at concentrations higher than 10 mg/L. To our knowledge, this is the first study of the effect of metal nanoparticles on parsley.

Effects of Gold Nanoparticles on Mentha spicata L., Soil Microbiota, and Human Health Risks: Impact of Exposure Routes

“…Previously, Malejko et al [ 34 ] showed that AuNPs were accumulated in roots, stems, and leaves of potato plants, with a much higher concentration remaining in the soil. The same finding was reported by [ 35 ].…”

“…Previously, Malejko et al [34] showed that AuNPs were accumulated in roots, stems, and leaves of potato plants, with a much higher concentration remaining in the soil. The same finding was reported by [35]. Mentha spicata L. treatment via spraying did not influence gold content in soil at AuNPs concentrations of 1-10 mg/L.…”

“…The same authors demonstrated that plants accumulated AuNPs differently; thus, in radish and ryegrass, AuNPs were mainly accumulated in roots, while in rice and pumpkin they are mainly accumulated in shoots. Exposure of Petroselinum crispum to solutions of AuNPs in a concentration range of 1–200 mg/L resulted in their high uptake in roots but also in active transfer in leaves [ 35 ].…”

“…accumulated in roots, while in rice and pumpkin they are mainly accumulated in shoots. Exposure of Petroselinum crispum to solutions of AuNPs in a concentration range of 1-200 mg/L resulted in their high uptake in roots but also in active transfer in leaves [35]. Spraying of mint plants with AuNPs resulted in the significant increase in gold content in leaves and stems (at p < 0.005 r = 0.99 и 0.95, respectively).…”