Toxicity and bioavailability of copper nanoparticles to the terrestrial plants mung bean ( Phaseolus radiatus ) and wheat ( Triticum aestivum ): Plant agar test for water-insoluble nanoparticles

Because of their insolubility in water, nanoparticles have a limitation concerning toxicity experiments. The present study demonstrated a plant agar test for homogeneous exposure of nanoparticles to plant species. The effect of Cu nanoparticles on the growth of a plant seedling was studied, and bioaccumulation of nanoparticles was investigated. All tests were conducted in plant agar media to prevent precipitation of water-insoluble nanoparticles in test units. The plant species were Phaseolus radiatus (mung bean) and Triticum aestivum (wheat). Growth inhibition of a seedling exposed to different concentrations of Cu nanoparticles was examined. Copper nanoparticles were toxic to both plants and also were…