Physiological Effects of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles and Arsenic on the Growth and Life Cycle of Rice (Oryza sativa japonica 'Koshihikari')

A factorial study was conducted to evaluate the phytotoxicity of copper oxide nanoparticles (nCuO, 0.1-100 mg/L), arsenic (As, 0 and 10 mg/kg), and their interaction to rice plants (Oryza sativa japonica 'Koshihikari') during the life cycle. No significant effect was observed on seed germination. The main effects of nCuO and As were observed on lengths and biomasses of seedling shoots and roots and on root branching. The interaction between nCuO and As also significantly influenced these parameters. nCuO addition increased Cu uptake in seedlings and generally improved seedling growth. With As addition, As was highly concentrated in roots and increased in shoots, and seedling growth was also inhibited. Additionally, nCuO and As had significant main and interaction effects on mature plant dry biomass, panicle number, total grain weight, average grain weight, and several other panicle parameters. Moreover, nCuO and As interacted to affect panicle emergence. nCuO also decreased As accumulation in dehusked grains. The accelerated heading stage by nCuO may help shorten the life cycle of rice plants, thereby reducing As accumulation in grains. This study is the first to examine the influence of nCuO in combination with As on the life cycle of rice plants.