Iron oxide nanoparticles have been known to be non-toxic and are among the most widely used nanomaterials in life, from the medical, agricultural to environmental fields. However, so far, the understanding of the interaction of nanoparticles, in general, and iron oxide nanoparticles, in particular, with the environment and the flora and fauna ecosystems is still limited. This study evaluated the effects of ferrite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles in soil on the growth of peas (Pisum sativum) and bok choy (Brassica rapa). The study showed that the nanoparticle concentration of 25 mg/kg of soil had the best positive effect on peas growth in terms of the main root elongation and root water retention. At a concentration of 25 mg/kg of soil, iron oxide nanoparticles did not affect the dry biomass growth of root and plant in peas and bok choy, respectively, even in the presence of potassium sulfate in soil. This suggests that the effect of ferric oxide nanoparticles could be more dominant than that of potassium sulfate fertilizer while maintaining constant biomass with increasing water uptake. Further studies at the cellular and tissue levels are needed to better understand this issue.
Keyword
Iron oxide nanoparticle, ferrite, peas, bok choy, soil, plant growth.
