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. 2019;37(4):330-355.
doi: 10.1080/10590501.2019.1676600. Epub 2019 Oct 29.

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

Shruti Budhani  1 , Nzube Prisca Egboluche  1 , Zikri Arslan  2 , Hongtao Yu  1 , Hua Deng  1
Affiliations

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

Shruti Budhani et al. J Environ Sci Health C Environ Carcinog Ecotoxicol Rev. 2019.

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; nano-bio interaction; phytotoxic mechanism; seed germination; terrestrial plants.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Schematic drawing of device designed to evaluate AgNP retention by soil.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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