Journal article
Foliar uptake of arsenic nanoparticles by spinach: an assessment of physiological and human health risk implications
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, Vol.26(20), pp.20121-20131
17/12/2018
PMID: 30560534
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Abstract
Atmospheric contamination by heavy metal(loid)–enriched particulate matter (metal-PM) is highly topical these days because of its high persistence, toxic nature, and health risks. Globally, foliar uptake of metal(loid)s occurs for vegetables/crops grown in the vicinity of industrial or urban areas with a metal-PM-contaminated atmosphere. The current study evaluated the foliar uptake of arsenic (As), accumulation of As in different plant organs, its toxicity (in terms of ROS generation, chlorophyll degradation, and lipid peroxidation), and its defensive mechanism (antioxidant enzymes) in spinach (Spinacia oleracea) after foliar application of As in the form of nanoparticles (As-NPs). The As-NPs were prepared using a chemical method. Results indicate that spinach can absorb As via foliar pathways (0.50 to 0.73 mg/kg in leaves) and can translocate it towards root tissues (0.35 to 0.68 mg/kg). However, health risk assessment parameters showed that the As level in the edible parts of spinach was below the critical limit (hazard quotient < 1). Despite low tissue level, As-NP exposure caused phytotoxicity in terms of a decrease in plant dry biomass (up to 84%) and pigment contents (up to 38%). Furthermore, several-fold higher activities of antioxidant enzymes were observed under metal stress than control. However, no significant variation was observed in the level of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which can be its possible transformation to other forms of reactive oxygen species (ROS). It is proposed that As can be absorbed by spinach via foliar pathway and then disturbs the plant metabolism. Therefore, air quality needs to be considered and monitored continuously for the human health risk assessment and quality of vegetables cultivated on polluted soils (roadside and industrial vicinity).
Details
- Title
- Foliar uptake of arsenic nanoparticles by spinach: an assessment of physiological and human health risk implications
- Creators
- Natasha - COMSATS University IslamabadMuhammad Shahid - COMSATS University IslamabadCamille Dumat - Université Toulouse - Jean JaurèsSana Khalid - COMSATS University IslamabadFaiz Rabbani - COMSATS University IslamabadAbu Bakr Umer Farooq - COMSATS University IslamabadMuhammad Amjad - COMSATS University IslamabadGhulam Abbas - COMSATS University IslamabadNabeel Khan Niazi - University of Agriculture Faisalabad
- Publication Details
- Environmental Science and Pollution Research, Vol.26(20), pp.20121-20131
- Publisher
- Springer
- Identifiers
- 991012951094102368
- Copyright
- © Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2018
- Academic Unit
- Science; Faculty of Science and Engineering
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article