Terrestrial Nanotoxicology: Evaluating the Nano-Biointeractions in Vascular Plants

Abstract The effects of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) in living organisms are described in a myriad of articles. Most of the literature on this topic is devoted to plants of different gender and species. Studies from laboratories and greenhouse facilities highlight effects on chlorophyll production, plant growth, stress enzyme activities, phytotoxicity, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity. With few exceptions, research reports show that toxic effects of ENPs on plants are associated with particle size, phase, surface properties, exposure concentration, and soil chemistry. ENPs have been found to be taken through roots from soilless/soil media and translocated to the aboveground organs. However, the uptake and translocation can occur in reverse if important amounts of ENPs are exposed to the foliage. This chapter includes an analysis of the most recent and relevant information about the interaction of ENPs with vascular plants. Most of the reviewed literature refers to highly produced and used ENPs. Data about exposure to carbon nanotubes (CNTs), cerium dioxide (nano-CeO2), titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2), zinc oxide (nano-ZnO), copper oxide (nano-CuO), gold (nano-Au), iron (nano-Fe3O4), silver (nano-Ag), and others ENPs are discussed.