Dynamics of Phytotoxicity Indicators of Ordinary Chernozem when it is Contaminated with Silver Nanoparticles

Abstract

The dynamics of phytotoxicity indicators (germination and length of radish roots) of ordinary chernozem when contaminated with silver nanoparticles was studied. In laboratory conditions, ordinary chernozem was contaminated with silver nanoparticles (1, 10 and 100 mg/kg) for 3, 10, 30, 90 and 180 days. It was found that the more silver nanoparticles were introduced into the soil, the greater the decrease in germination and length of radish roots. There was no restoration of germination and length of radish roots with an increase in the period from the moment of contamination. In this study, the maximum toxic period from the moment of contamination for each indicator was identified by its sensitivity to silver nanoparticles and informativeness. The maximum toxicity of silver nanoparticles in relation to the root length and germination of radishes was noted on the 10th and 30th days, respectively. The results can be used to assess the phytotoxicity of soils contaminated with silver nanoparticles.