Some physiological and biochemical properties of silver nanoparticles impact on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) plants

Nowadays the demand to nanotechnology-based products increase the risks of the nanoparticle spread to the environment. Among nanoparticles the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used due to their antibacterial properties. Therefore studies are performed concerning the effects of AgNPs on microorganisms and animal organisms, however there are studies related to the interaction with plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on bicohemical and physiological parameters in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) plant. Different concentrations of silver few nanoparticle (AgNPs) were applied and RWC, total chlorophyll content, antioxidant enzyme activities and MDA content were analysed. AgNP application resulted in a reduction of the relative water content, however an increase in lipid peroxidation in the leaves of chickpea plants. 40 and 80 mg/L AgNP treatments caused an inhibition of antioxidant enzyme activity. According to the results obtained from this study, in the low doses of AgNP applications, C. arietinum could have better protection mechanisms against oxidative damage, and it can be said that chickpea plant is likely to be sensitive to high doses of AgNP.