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Toxicity of CuO Nanoparticles to Structure and Metabolic Activity of Allium cepa Root Tips

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Abstract

Roots of Allium cepa were exposed to six CuO NPs suspensions (0, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80 mg L−1) in this study. Results revealed that with the increase of CuO NPs concentration, the Cu content in roots increased significantly. Compared to control, onion roots treated with CuO NPs (except 5 mg L−1 suspension) grew slowly after 24 h. The surface of the root cap and meristematic zone were obviously damaged. The apical meristem of roots treated by 10 mg L−1 and above concentrations stopped division. The nucleus of meristematic cells deformed, and nucleoli number increased. The plasmolysis occurred, and the cell membrane and nuclear membrane fractured. With the increase of CuO NPs concentration, the MDA content increased, and the root activity decreased. When dealt with 80 mg L−1 CuO NPs for 72 h, onion roots appeared to be corroded.

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Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the financial support from Qingdao Agricultural University (Grant No. 631014), as well as support from the University Key Laboratory of Plant Biotechnology in Shandong Province.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, 266109, Qingdao, China

    Fei Deng, Shuling Wang & Hua Xin

  2. University Key Laboratory of Plant Biotechnology in Shandong Province, 266109, Qingdao, China

    Hua Xin

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  1. Fei Deng
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  2. Shuling Wang
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  3. Hua Xin
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Correspondence to Hua Xin.

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Deng, F., Wang, S. & Xin, H. Toxicity of CuO Nanoparticles to Structure and Metabolic Activity of Allium cepa Root Tips. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 97, 702–708 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-016-1934-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-016-1934-0

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