2024 AIChE Annual Meeting
(735bq) Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles As Nanofertilizers: Effect on Morpho-Physiological Traits and Antioxidant Properties of Mustard (Brassica juncea)
The utilization of nanomaterials derived from essential nutrients such as zinc holds promise for the development of nanofertilizers and nanocomposites, which can find extensive applications in agriculture and human nutrition enhancement. This research aimed to produce zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) utilizing pecan (Carya illinoinensis) leaf extract and examine their impact on the growth, physiology, nutrient levels, and antioxidant properties of mustard (Brassica juncea) plants. The ZnO NPs underwent characterization through UV-Vis spectrophotometry, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Mustard plants were exposed to varying concentrations of ZnO NPs (ranging from 0 to 200 mg L-1) during the vegetative growth phase. The DLS analysis revealed monodispersed ZnO NPs with a size of 84.5 nm and a highly negative zeta potential (-22.4 mV). Overall, the application of ZnO NPs led to significant enhancements in growth, chlorophyll content (increasing by 53%), relative water content (rising by 46%), membrane stability (improved by 54%), and net photosynthesis in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, supplementation with ZnO NPs elevated the levels of potassium, iron, zinc, and flavonoids, while also mitigating the impact of reactive oxygen species by boosting antioxidant capacity in mustard leaves by up to 97%. In summary, ZnO NPs show promise as a stimulant for plant growth and a novel soil amendment to increase crop yields. Additionally, biofortifying B. juncea plants with ZnO NPs could enhance the crop's nutritional value and potentially amplify its medicinal properties.