Growth Inhibition of Copper Oxide Engineered Nanoparticles to <i>Lemna minor</i>

Abstract

The emerging use of metal oxide engineered nanoparticles has given rise to concerns about their potential impact on the environment. Nanoparticles will inevitably enter water environment, while there is little data on aquatic plants which play an important role in aquatic ecosystems. The inhibitory effect of copper oxide engineered nanoparticles (CuO ENPs) on the growth of aquatic plant Lemna minor was evaluated. Results showed that inhibition of plant growth was significant after exposed to CuO ENPs at the concentration of 150 μg/L. The inhibitory effect of CuO ENPs on frond number was similar to dry weight and total surface area. It is clear that CuO ENPs cause a potential risk to aquatic plants and therefore ecosystems.