Effects of Size and Dose of Titanium Dioxide on the Early Development of Rice Exposed to Nanoparticle Suspensions
2023
Theerak, W. | Ditthakit, P. | Puttamuk, T. | Chuawong, P.
PURPOSE: The use of photocatalytic titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles (NPs) in agriculture has been considered a potential framework for increasing crop yields. However, studies on the usage of TiO₂ NPs for rice (Oryza sativa) production showed disparities in the effects of TiO₂. The objectives of this study are to elucidate the effects of TiO₂ and to evaluate the use of TiO₂ NP for rice production in Thailand, by investigating the influence of TiO₂ NP sizes and quantities on the early development of rice. METHODS: Seeds of two rice cultivars (cv. Thai Pathum Thani Fragrant and Thai Jasmine 105) were exposed to TiO₂ suspensions of varying diameters and concentrations and transferred to Petri plates for early growth observation. The morphology of TiO₂ was characterized by electron microscopy (EM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The accumulation of TiO₂ was characterized by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). RESULTS: TiO₂ exposure had negligible impacts on seed germination but positively affected seedling height, fresh and dry weight, and survival rate. Four hundred ninety-nanometer TiO₂ NPs provided the best growth improvement compared to 100-nm and 23-nm NPs. Higher concentrations, up to 1000 mg/L, of TiO₂ led to greater seedling height and weight. The increase in seedling growth quantities also correlated to TiO₂ bioaccumulation and chlorophyll content in rice leaves, suggesting photosynthesis promotion as a possible mechanism for growth enhancement. CONCLUSION: Four hundred ninety-nanometer TiO₂ NPs improve the early stage of rice growth more than smaller-sized TiO₂ NPs that significantly agglomerate in water. Higher concentrations, up to 1000 mg/L, further enhance the growth.
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