Harnessing Graphitic Carbon Nitride for the Effective Amelioration of Cd-Induced Phytotoxicity in Native Rice Cultivar

Abstract

This study investigates the adverse effects of cadmium (Cd) on rice plant growth and the mitigating potential of graphitic carbon nitride (g-CN), supported by detailed material characterization. Cd exposure significantly inhibited plant growth, reducing root length by 54% and shoot length by 33%. However, the introduction of g-CN improved overall plant health, reducing Cd toxicity by 35% at an optimal dosage of 150 mg/L. The g-CN's effectiveness is attributed to its structural and chemical properties, as revealed by comprehensive characterization. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) analysis showed thin, flake-like structures, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies confirmed its highly crystalline nature, with peaks corresponding to the (100) and (002) planes of crystalline g-CN. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis identified functional groups such as the tri-s-triazine unit and C-N/C = N stretching vibrations, confirming the formation of g-CN. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis demonstrated the mesoporous nature of the material, with a specific surface area of 66 m²/g, indicating its high reactivity and potential for interaction with plant systems. These properties likely contribute to g-CN's ability to enhance root architecture, increase nutrient absorption, and promote fresh biomass production. Additionally, g-CN helped maintain a balanced carbon-to-nitrogen ratio by supporting improved photosynthesis and nitrogen uptake. These findings underscore the potential of g-CN as a nanomaterial for mitigating heavy metal stress in crops, offering a promising approach to enhancing crop resilience in contaminated environments.