Translocation and transformation of engineered nanomaterials in plant cells and their effect on metabolism

As the climate worsens and the demand for food grows,so does the interest in nanoagriculture.The interaction between plants and nanomaterials(NMs)has been extensively and intensively examined.However,stopping at the outcome of a phenomenon is often insufficient.Therefore,we introduce three important processes of nanoparticleplant interactions:translocation,transformation,and plant metabolism.During the migration of nanoparticles,size and surface electrical properties are the main determining factors.Additionally,the interaction of nanoparticles with cell membranes is another key aspect of research.The transformation of nanoparticles in plants is mainly due to redox substances.The way that nanoparticles affect plant metabolism may be able to shed light on the interaction of nanoparticles with plants.This review adds to the existing knowledge on the design of nanoagrochemicals and summarizes the mechanism of interaction of NMs with plants.In this way,NMs can be used for their beneficial effects and thus contribute to the maintenance of food security and sustainable development.

Effect of biochar application on rice,wheat,and corn seedlings in hydroponic culture

In recent years,biochar has attracted considerable attention for soil quality improvement and carbon sequestration due to its unique physicochemical properties.However,the mechanism by which biochar application negatively affects the growth of crop seedlings has not been fully investigated.In this study,a hydroponic experiment was conducted to evaluate the response of rice,wheat,and corn seedlings to biochar application(CK,0 g/L;BC1,0.5 g/L;and BC2,1.0 g/L).Compared with the CK treatment,the BC1 and BC2 treatments decreased the fresh shoot and root weights of rice and corn seedlings(P<0.05),but there was no significant effect on wheat seedlings(P>0.05).For the contents of nutrient elements in seedlings,both BC1 and BC2 treatments hindered the roots from absorbing Fe and Cu and increased the uptake of Ca and Mn.Compared with the CK treatment,the translocation factor(TF)values of Ca,Mn,and Zn were significantly decreased especially in rice seedlings(35.3%-36.8%,68.7%-76.5%,and 29.8%-22.0%,respectively)under the BC1 and BC2 treatments,while only Mn was significantly decreased in wheat and corn seedlings(P<0.05).Transmission electron microscope(TEM)analysis of root cross-sections showed that nano-sized biochar particles(10~23 nm)were found in the root cells under BC2 treatment conditions.Our findings reveal that a large amount of biochar application can reduce nutrient absorption and translocation,and hinder rice,wheat,and corn seedlings,particularly rice seedling,in hydroponic system.

Reimagining safe lithium applications in the living environment and its impacts on human,animal,and plant system

Lithium's(Li)ubiquitous distribution in the environment is a rising concern due to its rapid proliferation in the modern electronic industry.Li enigmatic entry into the terrestrial food chain raises many questions and uncertainties that may pose a grave threat to living biota.We examined the leverage existing published articles regarding advances in global Li resources,interplay with plants,and possible involvement with living organisms,especially humans and animals.Globally,Li concentration(<10 e300 mg kg
1)is detected in agricultural soil,and their pollutant levels vary with space and time.High mobility of Li results in higher accumulation in plants,but the clear mechanisms and specific functions remain unknown.Our assessment reveals the causal relationship between Li level and biota health.For example,lower Li intake(<0.6 mM in serum)leads to mental disorders,while higher intake(>1.5 mM in serum)induces thyroid,stomach,kidney,and reproductive system dysfunctions in humans and animals.However,there is a serious knowledge gap regarding Li regulatory standards in environmental compartments,and mechanistic approaches to unveil its consequences are needed.Furthermore,aggressive efforts are required to define optimum levels of Li for the normal functioning of animals,plants,and humans.This review is designed to revitalize the current status of Li research and identify the key knowledge gaps to fight back against the mountainous challenges of Li during the recent digital revolution.Additionally,we propose pathways to overcome Li problems and develop a strategy for effective,safe,and acceptable applications.