Physiological response of Lemna gibba L. to cuo nanoparticles

This study was carried out to evaluate some physiological effects of different concentrations of CuO nanoparticles (NP) on Lemna gibba, an aquatic macrophyte. Macrophytes were collected from natural sources in Gaziantep province. These were subjected to acclimatization for two weeks in a controlled climate cabinet. Healthy macrophytes were grown under CuO NP concentrations of 0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/L. Some physiological changes were determined after the applications. Decreases in fresh and dry weight were determined with increasing CuO NP concentrations. Photosynthetic pigment contents were decreased by the applications. Decreases in total carbohydrate and total phenolic substance contents were also observed. In contrast, significant increases in the content of non-protein sulfhydryl groups were detected. Also, a positive correlation was found between the contents of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde. In conclusion, it can be said that high CuO NP concentrations cause stress in L. gibba tissues.