Concentration Effect of Nickel Nanoparticles and Ions on Seeds Germination: Post-Exposition Effect on Young Wheat Seedlings

Abstract

The effect of nickel (30–1000 mg/L) in nanoscale (64 nm) and ionic forms on the length of 48‑hour roots and nine-day shoots and roots on electrical conductivity and NO\(_{3}^{ - }\) content in the tissue extracts of wheat seedlings (Triticum aestivum L.) is studied. The concentration-dependent inhibition of the root system of seedlings by nickel ions is characterized by a linear dependence, while for nanoparticles, it is characterized by a threshold dependence, which is not affected by the size of particle aggregates in the germination medium. The inhibitory action of Ni nanoparticles on germination is statistically significant at 1000 mg/L, while the post-exposition effects influencing the ionic status of shoots are insignificant in the entire concentration range. The obtained results may be relevant for the development of biotesting the toxic effects of nanoparticles on plants.