Fullerene nanoparticles enhance potential of phytoremediation and safe cultivation of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) in cadmium contaminated soil: Tobacco proved as fullerene-philic industrial crop

Summary

Nanotechnology has become known as effective strategy for soil remediation polluted by diverse toxic heavy metals. Nanoparticles' impact on phytoremediation efficacy of plants requires further study. The impact of fullerenes as fullerene nanoparticles (Cn-NPs) on accumulation and tolerance of cadmium (Cd) in tobacco ( Nicotiana tabacum ) remains mainly unexplored. A greenhouse trial was conducted to examine the effectiveness of fullerene nanoparticles (at 0, 500, 1000 mg kg −1 fullerene nanoparticles in soil) on phytoremediation potential and production of tobacco. The addition of 300 and 600 mg kg −1 of Cd to soil negatively impacted shoots and roots dry weights, leaf yield and tolerance index (TI), attributable to diminished mineral and water content as well as onset of oxidative stress.