Evaluation of the Toxicity of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Toward Pea Seeds

This work considers the application of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) for the pre-sowing treatment of pea seeds as trace element fertilizer. CuO NPs were chosen since Cu-containing forms are actively involved in the construction of necessary proteins and enzymes, as well as in the processes of growth and development of cells, tissues, and plants. However, many works reported that CuO NPs have a toxic effect on crops as well. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to evaluate the toxicity of CuO NPs towards pea seeds. It was found that the best indicators of changes in the length of roots and sprouts occur at treatment with 0.1 mg/L CuO NPs. At the same time, the length of roots and sprout of pea seeds at 100 mg/L CuO NPs was the lowest concerning other samples. Preliminarily, the results obtained revealed the potential toxic effect of CuO NPs on pea seeds at concentrations ≥ 1 mg/L. However, anatomical and histological examination revealed that the toxic effect starts from 10 mg/L. The results obtained will become a basis for further study of the multidirectional impact of CuO NPs on other crops at various concentrations for the determination of optimal concentrations with growth-stimulating effects for sustainable agriculture.