Copper Nanoparticles and Fungi Help Plants Reduce Arsenic Uptake and Stress

Jim Crocker
14th July, 2024

Copper Nanoparticles and Fungi Help Plants Reduce Arsenic Uptake and Stress

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study was conducted in Pakistan to address arsenic contamination in soils affecting plant growth
  • Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) and arbuscular mycorrhizae fungi (AMF) significantly improved plant health in arsenic-contaminated soils
  • Combined treatment of CuNPs and AMF enhanced root and shoot growth, reduced arsenic content in plant tissues, and boosted antioxidative enzyme activity
Arsenic (As) contamination in groundwater is a severe global issue, affecting millions of people and ecosystems, particularly in regions like Pakistan where groundwater contamination has reached alarming levels[2]. Arsenic exposure is linked to numerous health problems, including cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, arsenic in irrigation water can severely impact crop productivity and food safety[3]. Recent research conducted by King Saud University has explored innovative solutions to mitigate arsenic-induced stress in plants, specifically focusing on the role of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) and arbuscular mycorrhizae fungi (AMF)[1]. The study investigated the effects of CuNPs and a commercial inoculum of Glomus species (Clonex® Root Maximizer) on Elymus sibiricus (a plant species) grown in arsenic-contaminated soils. The research aimed to understand how these treatments could improve plant growth and reduce arsenic toxicity. The researchers used varying concentrations of CuNPs (100, 200, and 300 mM) and tested the treatments both individually and in combination with AMF in soils spiked with different levels of arsenic (0, 50, and 100 mg/kg). Arsenic contamination typically induces oxidative stress in plants, leading to the production of harmful substances like hydrogen peroxide and methylglyoxal (MG), which can damage cellular structures and inhibit growth. The study found that arsenic exposure reduced photosynthetic activity and overall plant growth, consistent with previous findings that arsenic disrupts metabolic pathways and induces oxidative stress[3]. However, the application of CuNPs (100 mM) and AMF showed significant improvements in plant health. These treatments enhanced root and shoot growth by reducing arsenic content in plant tissues. The combined treatment of CuNPs and AMF was particularly effective, suggesting a synergistic effect. The researchers observed that these treatments upregulated the activity of antioxidative enzymes such as catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). These enzymes play crucial roles in neutralizing oxidative stress, thereby protecting the plant cells from damage. In addition to enzymatic antioxidants, the study highlighted the increased biosynthesis of non-enzymatic antioxidants like phytochelatin (PC) and glutathione (GSH) in treated plants. Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are known to be involved in the detoxification of heavy metals, including arsenic, by conjugating GSH to toxic substances, facilitating their removal from the cells[3]. The enhanced production of these antioxidants in response to CuNPs and AMF treatments further underscores their role in mitigating arsenic toxicity. The findings align with earlier studies that have shown the detrimental effects of arsenic on plant physiology and the potential of various treatments to alleviate these effects. For instance, hydroponic experiments have demonstrated that microplastic particles can reduce arsenic uptake in rice seedlings by competing for adsorption sites on the root surface, thus mitigating arsenic-induced stress[4]. Similarly, the current study by King Saud University provides evidence that CuNPs and AMF can significantly reduce arsenic uptake and alleviate its phytotoxic effects in E. sibiricus. In summary, the research conducted by King Saud University demonstrates that the application of CuNPs and AMF can effectively mitigate arsenic-induced stress in plants. By enhancing the activity of antioxidative enzymes and increasing the production of non-enzymatic antioxidants, these treatments improve plant growth and reduce arsenic toxicity. This study offers a promising approach to addressing the challenges posed by arsenic contamination in agricultural soils, contributing to safer food production and better environmental health.

BiotechBiochemPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Application of CuNPs and AMF alleviates arsenic stress by encompassing reduced arsenic uptake through metabolomics and ionomics alterations in Elymus sibiricus

Published 13th July, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-024-05359-z

Related Studies

2) A comprehensive review on current status, mechanism, and possible sources of arsenic contamination in groundwater: a global perspective with prominence of Pakistan scenario.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-018-0169-x

3) Glutathione S-Transferases: Role in Combating Abiotic Stresses Including Arsenic Detoxification in Plants.

https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2018.00751

4) Microplastic particles increase arsenic toxicity to rice seedlings.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113892


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