Physiological and Biochemical Changes Imposed by CeO₂ Nanoparticles on Wheat: A Life Cycle Field Study

Abstract

Interactions of <i>n</i>CeO₂ with plants have been mostly evaluated at seedling stage and under controlled conditions. In this study, the effects of <i>n</i>CeO₂ at 0 (control), 100 (low), and 400 (high) mg/kg were monitored for the entire life cycle (about 7 months) of wheat plants grown in a field lysimeter. Results showed that at high concentration <i>n</i>CeO₂ decreased the chlorophyll content and increased catalase and superoxide dismutase activities, compared with control. Both concentrations changed root and leaf cell microstructures by agglomerating chromatin in nuclei, delaying flowering by 1 week, and reduced the size of starch grains in endosperm. Exposed to low concentration produced embryos with larger vacuoles, while exposure to high concentration reduced number of vacuoles, compared with control. There were no effects on the final biomass and yield, Ce concentration in shoots, as well as sugar and starch contents in grains, but grain protein increased by 24.8% and 32.6% at 100 and 400 mg/kg, respectively. Results suggest that more field life cycle studies are needed in order to better understand the effects of <i>n</i>CeO₂ in crop plants