Bioaccumulation Potentials, Growth Attributes, Stress Enzymes Determination, and Proximate Content of Zea Mays (L.) Walp. Grown in Copper Nanoparticles-Amended Soil

Abstract

Abstract Copper is a nutrient required in small quantity by maize during growth, but it is not readily available to maize. Nanotechnology may however be helpful in the effective delivery of this nutrient. This study investigates the impact of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) on growth attributes, stress enzymes, and the bioaccumulation potential of maize grown on CuNPs amended soils. The research was conducted in a screenhouse located at Kwara State University, Malete with the following coordinates (latitude 80 43' '' 8 and longitude 40 29' 11"). The Experiment was a Randomized Block Design experiment (RBD) with four seeds of maize planted separately in 2 kg of sandy loam soil pre-treated with 4, 8 and 12 mg/kg CuNPs while the control was the pots without CuNPs and these were replicated thrice making a total of 12 pots. Chlorophyll content, enzymatic antioxidants, bioaccumulation potential and proximate contents were determined following standard methods. Data obtained from the experiment were subjected to one-way Analysis of variance (ANOVA) while its mean value were analyzed with Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at P≤0.05. Bar chart was drawn using Origin Scientific Graphing and analysis software. CuNPs greatly enhanced plant growth, productivity, chlorophyll content, stress enzymes: [(Malondialdehyde (MDA), Catalase (CAT), Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD)] and bioaccumulation. This study concludes that at high concentrations, application of CuNPs on maize can hinder or arrest its growth and productivity as well as the death of the entire plants despite the fact that it is a micronutrient.