Role of zinc oxide nanoparticles in alleviating arsenic mediated stress in early growth stages of wheat

Aim: The present study was undertaken to assess the role of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in alleviation of arsenic (As) mediated stress on seed germination and seedling growth in wheat. Methodology: Experiments were performed in petri dishes. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L., var. HD2967) seeds were subjected to seven independent treatments, viz., control, zinc sulphate (ZnSO4, 25ppm), ZnO NPs (25ppm), As (1ppm), As (10ppm), As (1ppm) + ZnO NPs (25ppm), As (10ppm) + ZnO NPs (25ppm). All parameters were studied in 7-day-old seedlings. Results: It was observed that arsenic treatment decreased the germination percentage, shoot length, root length, seedling vigour, relative water content (RWC), membrane stability index (MSI), chlorophyll, carotenoid and protein content, while it increased the activity of super oxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POX) as compared to control. However, under ZnO NPs + As treatment, the adverse effect of As was alleviated, which was reflected in terms of increased germination percentage, shoot and root growth, chlorophyll, carotenoid, RWC, MSI and protein content. Interpretation: On the whole, this study deciphers the possible involvement of ZnO NPs in reducing As toxicity through modulating physiological and biochemical parameters. However, more research is required under field conditions, to use ZnO NPs to reduce the risk of arsenic toxicity in wheat crop.