The impact of cerium oxide nanoparticles on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and its implications for food safety

Qiang Wang, Xingmao Ma, Wen Zhang, Haochun Pei, Yongsheng Chen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

221 Scopus citations

Abstract

Sustainable development of nanotechnology requires an understanding of the long term ecotoxicological impact of engineered nanomaterials on the environment. Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2-NPs) have great potential to accumulate and adversely affect the environment owing to their widespread applications in commercial products. This study documented the chronic phenotypic response of tomato plants to CeO2-NPs (0.1-10 mg L-1) and determined the effect of CeO2-NPs on tomato yield. The results indicated that CeO2-NPs at the concentrations applied in this study had either an inconsequential or a slightly positive effect on plant growth and tomato production. However, elevated cerium content was detected in plant tissues exposed to CeO2-NPs, suggesting that CeO2-NPs were taken up by tomato roots and translocated to shoots and edible tissues. In particular, substantially higher Ce concentrations were detected in the fruits exposed to 10 mg L-1 CeO2-NPs, compared with controls. This study sheds light on the long term impact of CeO2-NPs on plant health and its implications for our food safety and security.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1105-1112
Number of pages8
JournalMetallomics
Volume4
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2012
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Medicine

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