Effect of ZnO Nanoparticles application on mineral absorption in rapeseed

In the present study, effects of different concentrations (25, 50, 75, and 100 mg L-1) of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) on the minerals absorption of rapeseed has been investigated in a completely randomized design with three replicates in the pots with perlite as a supporting material. After two months culturing, plants were harvested and then zinc content in leaf was determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. The content of phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, potassium, copper, iron, boron and molybdenum was measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Results showed that Zn accumulation in leaves of treated plants was increased in a dose-dependent manner. Amounts of iron, copper, boron, and phosphorus were significantly decreased under ZnONPs treatment. In contrast, magnesium content of leaves was significantly increased under the treatment. However, the treatment did not have significant effect on the concentration of calcium, potassium and molybdenum. Due to the presence of Zn in the structure of ZnONPs and the probability of its release around the root, disruption of the absorption of mineral elements such as iron and copper may be due to the competition over metals adsorption carriers.