Enhancement in growth rate and productivity of spinach grown in hydroponics with iron oxide nanoparticles

Abstract

Plants play a vital role in the energy and environmental ecosystem by providing food and oxygen for living organisms. Due to the increasing use of nanoparticles in the recent decade, the study on the effect of nanoparticles in environmental sectors (especially in agriculture) has become highly essential. In this study, we demonstrated the uptake of iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) nanoparticles by spinach via hydroponics and examined its effects on the growth rate and productivity of the spinach plant. The experimental studies such as plant growth (stem and root length) and biomass analysis revealed a dose and time dependent increase due to the uptake of Fe₂O₃. The vibrating sample magnetometer analysis revealed the increase in saturation magnetization of spinach plants as result of Fe uptake. Further, ICP analysis demonstrated an increase in iron content in spinach plants in a dose dependent manner. A mechanism for the uptake of Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles has been discussed with the help of FT-IR spectroscopy. The experimental studies might provide new insights into the application of Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles in the agriculture sector.