Effect of copper oxide nanoparticles on growth, morphology, photosynthesis, and antioxidant response in Oryza sativa

The physiological and biochemical behaviour of rice (Oryza sativa, var. Jyoti) treated with copper (II) oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) was studied. Germination rate, root and shoot length, and biomass decreased, while uptake of Cu in the roots and shoots increased at high concentrations of CuO NPs. The accumulation of CuO NPs was observed in the cells, especially, in the chloroplasts, and was accompanied by a lower number of thylakoids per granum. Photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, maximal quantum yield of PSII photochemistry, and photosynthetic pigment contents declined, with a complete loss of PSII photochemical quenching at 1,000 mg(CuO NP) L-1. Oxidative and osmotic stress was evidenced by increased malondialdehyde and proline contents. Elevated expression of ascorbate peroxidase and superoxide dismutase were also observed. Our work clearly demonstrated the toxic effect of Cu accumulation in roots and shoots that resulted in loss of photosynthesis.