Abstract
The present article aims to assess the phytotoxic effects of copper and zinc oxide nanoparticles (Cu NPs, ZnO NPs) on mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) and their possible risk on food quality and safety. We also study the molecular mechanisms underlying the toxicity of nanosized Cu and ZnO. Seeds of mung bean were germinated under increasing concentrations of Cu NPs and ZnO NPs (10, 100, 1000, 2000 mg/L). We analyzed levels of free amino acids, total soluble sugars, minerals, polyphenols and antioxidant capacity. Our results showed that depending on the concentrations used of Cu NPs and ZnO NPs, the physiology of seed germination and embryo growth were modified. Both free metal ions and nanoparticles themselves may impact plant cellular and physiological processes. At 10 mg/L, an improvement of the nutritive properties, in terms of content in free amino acids, total soluble sugars, essential minerals, antioxidant polyphenols and flavonoids, was shown. However, higher concentrations (100–2000 mg/L) caused an alteration in the nutritional balance, which was revealed by the decrease in contents and quality of phenolic compounds, macronutrients (Na, Mg, Ca) and micronutrients (Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, K). The overall effects of Cu and ZnO nanoparticles seem to interfere with the bioavailability of mineral and organic nutrients and alter the beneficial properties of the antioxidant phytochemicals, mineral compounds, phenolic acids and flavonoids. This may result in a potential hazard to human food and health, at some critical doses of nanofertilizers. This study may contribute in the guidelines to the safe use of nanofertilizers or nanosafety, for more health benefit and less potential risks.
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This work was supported by the Tunisian Ministry of High Education and Research, and the Dry Land and Oases Cropping Laboratory in Arid Land Institute of Medenine (IRA). We acknowledge the help and support of Mr Mustapha Neji, Mr Mohamed Bahka, the technicians at ISBAM, for purchasing materials and chemicals.
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IK contributed to conceptualization and writing—original draft preparation; IK, ST, BL, TB, MM were involved in methodology; IK and ST performed formal analysis and investigation; IK, ST and AC done writing—review and editing; MD, ML and AC contributed to funding acquisition; MD, ML, TB, MM and AC done resources; IK, ML, MD and AC supervised the study.
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Karmous, I., Tlahig, S., Loumerem, M. et al. Assessment of the risks of copper- and zinc oxide-based nanoparticles used in Vigna radiata L. culture on food quality, human nutrition and health. Environ Geochem Health 44, 4045–4061 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-021-01162-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-021-01162-z