Detection of silver nanoparticles inside leaf of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.)

In a greenhouse experiment, silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) were applied on European beech ( Fagus sylvatica L.) leaves using the droplet application method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses showed that after 24 h mostly present in aggregates or as single particles surface of leaf, surrounding covering stomata. Analyses cross sections leaf revealed some adhering to cell walls mesophyll and palisade cells, most likely penetration into through stomata not Ag ions. Our preliminary results evidence foliar uptake beech. This opens new insights ability trees take up solid nanosized particles, eventually contained raindrops, their leaves, potentially transport them other parts tree. study would be helpful for investigating role atmospheric ultrafine particle mitigation.