Morphological assessment of glutamate zerovalent iron nanoparticles by scanning electron microscopy and its combined effect with indole acetic acid on amelioration of lead toxicity in maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

Food safety is a priority issue for sustainable global development that can be affected by heavy metals, contributing to morbidity and even mortality in crop growth. Heavy metals often accumulate in the soil due to the use of extensive chemical fertilizers and pesticides; therefore, the current experiment was aimed to determine the effect of glutamate zerovalent iron nanoparticles (Glu-ZVFeNPs) and indole acetic acid (IAA) on physiological mechanism of lead (Pb +2) stress tolerance at 4 and 8 ppm in Zea mays variety. Seeds of the selected variety were collected from Cereal Crop Research Institute Persabaq Nowshera and planted in earthen pots in triplicate in the greenhouse of the Botany Department of the University of Peshawar. Nanoparticles were analyzed via scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Maximum growth responses were recorded from T12 (untreated + NPs + IAA), while minimum were recorded from T5 (8 ppm) indicating from the minimum amplitude of chlorophyll "a" and "b" contents, root length, shoot length, and root/shoot ratio. T5 (8 ppm) enhanced the values of osmolytes and antioxidant enzymes peroxidase and superoxide dismutase which has been ameliorated by the combined application of Glu-ZVFeNPs + IAA, indicating that the plant may resist the toxic effects of heavy metal stress at high concentration. From the present study, we concluded that adverse result of Pb +2 has been condensed by application of Glu-ZVFeNPs + IAA treatment as compared to the foliar application of IAA and Glu-ZVFeNPs individually.

Modulating response of Zea mays to induced salinity stress through application of nitrate mediated silver nanoparticles and indole acetic acid

“…The SEM showed the average particle size around 90 nm, the particle was of roughly spherical in shape which were uniformly dispersed, observation showed that the uniform distribution of particles indicating a high surface area suitable for adsorption properties. Our results are confirmed by earlier report of Saeed et al (2020).…”

“…The highest level of salinity resulted in the greatest reduction in maize germination percentage, germination rate, and SVI as agreed with the results obtained by Shah et al (2021). Nit‐AgNPs and IAA accumulates in plant and enables it to show resistance to salinity stress (Saeed et al, 2020). Both physiological and biochemical measures in maize showed significant changes in the current study's findings.…”

“…Nano technology is a stimulating and persuasive technical field; they open several new and financially savvy stuffs and applications in food, farming, and medication (Keerthana et al, 2021). The broadcast and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are classically applied for various morphological features and size of nanoparticles (Saeed et al, 2020). The development of nanotechnology causes growth in manufacturing technology and science as well.…”

“…Nanotechnology has emerged with a growing need for the use of nanoparticles in various fields of agriculture and food science, including food processing, functional food development, food safety, and extension of the shelf life of food products (Saeed, Ullah, Nafees, Bibi, & Ullah, 2020). Nanoparticles are small objects ranging in size from 1 to 100 nm that differ from the standard material due to their nano size.…”

The Impact of Nanomaterials on Photosynthesis and Antioxidant Mechanisms in Gramineae Plants: Research Progress and Future Prospects

“…Conversely, Li et al discovered that foliar application of iron-based nanoparticles, such as Fe and Fe 3 O 4 , significantly increased the chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate, and biomass in maize plants [65]. Saleha's study further indicated that foliar application of appropriate concentrations of glutamic acid-modified trivalent iron nanoparticles (Glu-ZVFe NPs) and indole acetic acid (IAA) enhanced root length, leaf area, and germination rate in maize, reducing the toxic effects of lead ions [66]. Some Fe 3 O 4 NPs found in chloroplast thylakoids may envelop chloroplast surfaces in the Fe 3 O 4 NP-chloroplast system, acting as both electron donors and acceptors instead of releasing iron, enhancing photosynthesis.…”