Impact of nano-glass (NG) particles on seed germination and it’s accumulation in plant parts of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Micro/nano-contaminants have been the focal pollutants in environmental science, which includes several nanomaterials, nanocomposites, fibers, glass, plastics etc. Micro/nano size pollutants are more harmful than macro pollutants due to their size. Therefore, there is an urgent need for research on the possible fate of glass particles in the environment, especially in plant and soil systems. Here, the synthesized nano-glass (NG) from the waste windshield and analyzed its uptake and effect on the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plant system in a hydroponic solution. The findings provided direct evidence that NG reduced the germination % with increasing NG concentrations as 100, 96, 92, and 92% for 10, 20, 30, and 40 mg L(−1). The lowest root and shoot height (15.40 and 22.42 cm) was achieved in the 40 mg L(−1) NG treatment. Decrement in fresh and dry wt. with a maximum reduction of chlorophyll a, b and total content (6.19, 4.98, and 11.17 mg g(−1) fresh wt.) was obtained at 40 mg L(−1) at 21 days. Rhodamine B was used for fluorescence imaging in seedlings to detect NG movement, Results showed that NG moves via xylem tissues of root part to other parts of the plant. Based on the currently limited or no data and uncertainty regarding the actual impact of NG on soil and plant systems, suggested considerations to address key knowledge gaps are delineated. Further studies are required as a flora build-up of NG can have both environmental influence and consequences on agronomic sustainability and food safety.