The impact of cerium oxide nanoparticles on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and its implications for food safety

Abstract

Sustainable development of nanotechnology requires an understanding of the long term ecotoxicological impact of engineered nanomaterials on the environment. Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO 2 -NPs) have great potential to accumulate and adversely affect the environment owing to their widespread applications in commercial products. This study documented the chronic phenotypic response of tomato plants to CeO 2 -NPs (0.1-10 mg L -1) and determined the effect of CeO 2 -NPs on tomato yield. The results indicated that CeO 2 -NPs at the concentrations applied in this study had either an inconsequential or a slightly positive effect on plant growth and tomato production. However, elevated cerium content was detected in plant tissues exposed to CeO 2 -NPs, suggesting that CeO 2 -NPs were taken up by tomato roots and translocated to shoots and edible tissues. In particular, substantially higher Ce concentrations were detected in the fruits exposed to 10 mg L -1 CeO 2 -NPs, compared with controls. This study sheds light on the long term impact of CeO 2 -NPs on plant health and its implications for our food safety and security. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2012.