Impact of Fe3O4 nanoparticle on nutrient accumulation in common bean plants grown in soil

The effect of Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) on chemical properties of the soil rhizosphere and on the accumulation of nutrients in common bean plants was studied for two different concentrations of Fe3O4 NPs. The root-to-leaves translocation index for micro- and macronutrients was calculated.The results showed that Fe3O4 NP treatments had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on the chemical properties of soil rhizosphere in terms of an increase in the contents of total P, extractable P, total K, extractable K, Ca, total Mn, total Fe and cation exchange capacity and of a decrease in Cl content in soil. The treatments led to a marked increase in the accumulation of nutrients in plants by revealing a higher content of total P, K, Ca, Mn and Fe in roots, stems and leaves. In addition, the plants treated with Fe3O4 NPs showed lower translocation of total Mn and Fe to stems and leaves compared with the control plants. The results indicate that Fe3O4 NPs may contribute to the conversion of the insoluble forms of total P, extractable P, total K, extractable K, Ca, total Mn and total Fe in soil into soluble forms that can dissolve in the soil solution and be taken up by plants. A greater capability in the roots, stems and leaves of Fe3O4-NP-treated plants to take up the nutrients suggests a beneficial effect for plant development and health. Likewise, the roots of plants treated with Fe3O4 NPs absorbed and accumulated the greatest quantities of Mn and Fe compared with the control plants.