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Research article2023Peer reviewedOpen access

Silicon nanoparticles alleviate cadmium toxicity in rice (Oryza sativa L.) by modulating the nutritional profile and triggering stress-responsive genetic mechanisms

Jalil, Sanaullah; Nazir, Muhammad Mudassir; AL-Huqail, Arwa Abdulkreem; Ali, Baber; Al-Qthanin, Rahmah N.; Asad, Muhammad A. U.; Eweda, Mohamed A.; Zulfiqar, Faisal; Onursal, Nilguen; Masood, Hafiza Ayesha; Yong, Jean Wan Hong; Jin, Xiaoli

Abstract

This study investigated the physiological and molecular responses of rice genotype '9311' to Cd stress and the mitigating effects of silicon oxide nanoparticles (SiO NPs). Cd exposure severely hindered plant growth, chlorophyll content, photosynthesis, and Cd accumulation. However, SiO NPs supplementation, particularly the SiONP100 treatment, significantly alleviated Cd-induced toxicity, mitigating the adverse effects on plant growth while maintaining chlorophyll content and photosynthetic attributes. The SiONP100 treatment also reduced Cd accumulation, indicating a preference for Si uptake in genotype 9311. Complex interactions among Cd, Si, Mg, Ca, and K were uncovered, with fluctuations in MDA and H2O2 contents. Distinct morphological changes in stomatal aperture and mesophyll cell structures were observed, including changes in starch granules, grana thylakoids, and osmophilic plastoglobuli. Moreover, following SiONP100 supplementation, genotype 9311 increased peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities by 56%, 44%, and 53% in shoots and 62%, 49%, and 65% in roots, respectively, indicating a robust defense mechanism against Cd stress. Notably, OsNramp5, OsHMA3, OsSOD-Cu/Zn, OsCATA, OsCATB, and OsAPX1 showed significant expression after SiO NPs treatment, suggesting potential Cd translocation within rice tissues. Overall, SiO NPs supplementation holds promise for enhancing Cd tolerance in rice plants while maintaining essential physiological functions.

Keywords

Antioxidants; Cadmium; Genetic mechanism; Rice; Sustainable agriculture; Silicon

Published in

Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
2023, Volume: 268, article number: 115699

    Sustainable Development Goals

    Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
    Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
    End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture

    UKÄ Subject classification

    Environmental Sciences
    Agricultural Science

    Publication identifier

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115699

    Permanent link to this page (URI)

    https://res.slu.se/id/publ/126767