Interactive effects of metals and carbon nanotubes in a microcosm agrosystem

Agricultural soils are exposed to multiple contaminants through the use of agrochemicals or sewage sludge, introducing metals, nanomaterials and others. Among nanomaterials, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are known for their large surface area and adsorption capabilities, possibly modifying other element behavior. However, to date, very little is known about the impacts of such interactions in agrosystems. In this study, we aimed at understanding the transfer and toxicity of contaminants (Cd, Pb, Zn and CNTs) in microcosms including native soil bacteria, earthworms and lettuce. After a 6 week exposure, no effect of the addition of CNTs to metal contaminated soils was detected on bacterial concentration or earthworm growth. However, in lettuce, an interactive effect between CNTs and metals was highlighted: in the soil containing the highest metal concen-trations the addition of 0.1 mg kg(-1) CNTs led to a biomass loss (-22%) and a flavonoid concentration increase (+27%). In parallel, the addition of CNTs led to differential impacts on elemental uptake in lettuce leaves possibly related to the soil organic matter content. For earthworms, the addition of 10 mg kg(-1) CNTs resulted in an increased body elemental transfer in the soil with the higher organic matter content (Pb: + 34% and Zn: + 25%).

Automated summary

This study found that the interaction between carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and metals in agricultural soils can affect lettuce, resulting in biomass loss and increased flavonoid concentration. Furthermore, the addition of CNTs increased body elemental transfer in earthworms in soils with higher organic matter content.