Effects of silicon oxide nanoparticles on growth and physiology of wheat seedlings

Abstract

The effects of silicon oxide (SiO₂) nanoparticles at concentrations of 50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 mg/L on Triticum aestivum L. seedlings were investigated. We showed that SiO₂ nanoparticles, at concentrations higher 200 mg/L, had negative impacts on wheat seedlings. At these concentrations, SiO₂ nanoparticles significantly decreased roots and shoots fresh weight, decreased roots and shoots dry weight, decreased amounts of chlorophyll a and b in leaves, decreased amount of carotenoids in leaves, increased proline content in leaves, increased lipid peroxidation in leaves, and increased catalase activity in leaves. Results of this study indicate that at lower concentrations (such as 50 and 100 mg/L), SiO₂ nanoparticles not only have negative effects on wheat seedlings, but can have even some positive effects.