RISK ASSESSMENT OF Ti02 NANOPARTICLES USING CROP PLANTS: EXPOSURE RESPONSE OF WHEAT

Abstract

The widespread use of Ti02 nanoparticles (NPs) in a variety of products could lead to their release in to the environment. This can cause risks in terms of stress and toxicity in plants. The main objective of the present study was to assess the effects of Ti02 NPs on wheat (Triticumaestivum) growth. The parameters studied wereseed germination, shoot and roots length, biomass, seedling vigor index and cytotoxicity through micronuclei test. Wheat seeds were exposed to different concentrations of Ti02 (control or 0, 25, 50, 100, 400 and 600 mg/L). There was no significant effect on seed germination percentage. The concentration of Ti02 NPs up to 200 mg/L promoted root length, dry mass of root and seedling vigor index. At higher concentrations i.e. 400 and 600 mg/L,growth was negatively affected. The result of micronucleus test of the roots exposed to Ti02 NPs also showed that 400 and 600 mg/L had toxic effectson wheat cells forming very high number of micronuclei as compared to the control. It could be concluded that high concentration of nanoparticles 400 mg/L adversely affected the growth of wheat and resulted into cytotoxicity. So there is urgent need to look into the adverse effects of nanoparticles at different levels to ensure food security