Effect of Foliage Chitosan-Based Silicon Nanoparticles on Arsenic Uptake and Translocation in Rice (Oryza Sativa L.)

Abstract

Chitosan nanoparticles have been successfully used in removing heavy metals in wastewater, but their effectiveness in immobilizing heavy metals in rice is still unclear. In this study, the effect of chitosan-based silicon nanoparticles (Chsi-Nps) on rice planted on As-polluted soil was explored. Two doses of foliar Chsi-Np (0.11 and 0.55 mM) were investigated. Results showed that 0.55 mM foliar Chsi-Np treatment reduced As concentration in rice by 61.2% and increased As concentration in the leaves by 47.1%, compared with the control treatment. The foliar spraying of Chsi-Np inhibited As transport to rice by facilitating the attachment of As to the cell wall and increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including glutathione, malondialdehyde, and catalase in the leaves. These results indicated that foliar Chsi-Np application is effective in alleviating As toxicity and accumulation in rice. This study may provide a novel method for effectively alleviating As accumulation in rice.

Keywords: Chitosan-based silicon, Nanoparticles, Foliar application, Rice, arsenic