A STUDY OF PHOTO-BIOLOGICAL REACTIONS UNDER TIO2 NANOPARTICLE ACCUMULATION IN SPINACIA OLERACEA L.

The titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) are widely used in several fields of Science and Technology, trailed to increase concentration in soil with their subsequent accumulation in Spinacia oleracea. This article discusses the accumulation of TiO2 in plants, released in soil resources after its prime use. The pot experiment was conducted in a greenhouse under a natural environmental condition in triplicates where TiO2 was mixed with the soil for growth monitoring of S. oleracea as treated plants. The uptake of NPs from soil to plants was observed through Scan Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) techniques. The reflection of TiO2 NPs in the leaves and roots of plants through these techniques provides evidence of the accumulation of NPs for the first time. SEM results showed the translocation of TiO2 into roots and shoot and their impact on the accumulation of essential micro and micronutrients followed by enhanced photosystem II of plants. The increase in Fe contents and Ca followed by healthy growth of plants reflects the photocatalytic activity of TiO2. Compared to the control treatment, the concentration of Mn, Cu, Al, and Si significantly increased with the application of TiO2 nanoparticles. Consequently, TiO2-NP treatments showed the highest photobiological activity due to increased nutrient uptake by S. oleracea. It was established that the accumulation of TiO2 NPs in the plant was supportive in photosystem II operation due to their photoactive electron at a given dose.

Automated summary

This article discusses the accumulation of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) in soil and its impact on plants. The uptake and accumulation of NPs in plants were observed through scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray techniques. The results showed that NPs significantly affected the uptake of essential micro and micronutrients and enhanced photosystem II in plants.