Research of nanosized iron oxide powder as a biologically active material

A polydisperse nanopowder of iron oxide, consisting of hematite α-Fe2O3 and magnetite Fe3O4, was obtained by the method of solid-phase reduction of iron hydroxide Fe(OH)3. On the basis of the obtained iron oxide nanopowder, aqueous suspensions were prepared in the concentration range of 0.25 – 1.25 mg/l with a particle dispersion of 100 – 400 nm. To assess the biological activity of iron oxide nanopowder, pre-sowing treatment of corn seeds Zéa máys was carried out. It has been established that the treatment with nanoparticles has a stimulating effect on the development of the plant organism, making it possible to achieve an increase in germination by 15% and root mass by 23%. Determination of the quantitative content of iron in different parts of the plant was carried out using atomic emission and atomic absorption spectroscopy. It was shown that as a result of treatment of plants with iron nanoparticles, its accumulation in the root mass with subsequent redistribution to the leaves to stimulate the process of photosynthesis is observed.