Synthesis, characterization and impact of cadmium sulfide nanoparticles on the growth, pigment content and anti-oxidative defence system of Pistia stratiotes

Cadmium Sulfide nanoparticles (CdS NPs) were synthesised and their characteristics were evaluated using XRD (X-ray diffraction), FTIR (Fourier transform infrared), FESEM (Field emission scanning electron microscopy), EDAX (Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis), and UV-Vis (Ultraviolet-visible). Further, the impacts of CdS NPs on the growth, pigment content and antioxidative defence system of Pistia stratiotes were studied. The exposure of CdS NPs to Pistia stratiotes caused the negative repercussions, which were tested using a variety of biological tests. The findings demonstrated that CdS NPs were hazardous to the Pistia plant at high concentrations, while they were easy to grow at lower concentrations up to 30 ml/l. Both growth and colour characteristics declined at 40 mg/l concentration of CdS NPs. Antioxidant enzymes' activity like superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and catalase (CAT) also decreased at 40 ml/l on 60 days. The Protein and photosynthetic pigments were declined on 60 days at 40ml/l concentration however, the level of both the parameters was found increased in comparison with control. The results demonstrated that the higher concentrations of CdS NPs are toxic to Pistia, resulting in decreased growth and significant alterations in antioxidant enzyme activity. These findings suggest that Pistia can be used as a bio-indicator for CdS NPs contaminated water.