A brief study on the role of cerium oxide nanoparticles in growth and alleviation of mercury-induced stress in Vigna radiata and soil bacteria Bacillus coagulans

Abstract

Cerium oxide nanoparticles have so far been investigated for their role as an antioxidant in pathologies involving in ammation and high oxidative stress. However, its role as a plant and bacterial growth modulator and heavy metal stress reliever has been overlooked to date. Heavy metal contamination poses a major threat to mankind and a life-sustaining ecosystem. This study emphasizes the role of cerium oxide produced by the combustion method in promoting growth in Vigna radiata and Bacillus coagulans in presence of mercury. The results show how cerium oxide nanoparticles successfully reduce the production of reactive oxygen species in plants grown in presence of mercury thereby reducing oxidative stress. It also throws light upon the biologically non-hazardous nature of this particle by revealing how it promotes the growth of two soil bacteria Bacillus coagulans and E.coli at various dosages.