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journal of environmental sciences
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Abstract: |
The synthesis of biological silicon nano-particles (Bio-Si-NPs) is an eco-friendly and lowcost method. There is no study focusing on the effect of Bio-Si-NPs on the plants grown
on saline soil contaminated with heavy metals. In this study, an attempt was made to synthesis Bio-Si-NPs using potassium silica florid substrate, and the identifed Aspergillus tubingensis AM11 isolate that separated from distribution systems of the potable water. A twoyear feld trial was conducted to compare the protective effects of Bio-Si-NPs (2.5 and 5.0
mmol/L) and potassium silicate (10 mmol/L) as a foliar spray on the antioxidant defense
system, physio-biochemical components, and the contaminants contents of Phaseolus vulgaris L. grown on saline soil contaminated with heavy metals. Our fndings showed that all
treatments of Bio-Si-NPs and potassium silicate signifcantly improved plant growth and
production, chlorophylls, carotenoids, transpiration rate, net photosynthetic rate, stomatal
conductance, membrane stability index, relative water content, free proline, total soluble
sugars, N, P, K, Ca2+, K+/Na+, and the activities of peroxidase, catalase, ascorbic peroxidase
and superoxide oxide dismutase. Application of Bio-Si-NPs and potassium silicate signifcantly decreased electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde, H2O2, O2•−, Na+, Pb, Cd, and Ni in
leaves and pods of Phaseolus vulgaris L. compared to control. Bio-Si-NPs were more effective
compared to potassium silicate. Application of Bio-Si-NPs at the rate of 5 mmol/L was the
recommended treatment to enhance the performance and reduce heavy metals content on
plants grown on contaminated saline soils
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