Topic Area: 1e. Phytoremediation

Formatted Title:

Influence of Phytosynthesized Fe₂O₃ Nanoparticles on Spinach Rhizosphere and Endosphere Microbiome

Background/Objectives:

The intensification of agricultural practices, in response to the escalating world population, has necessitated the excessive use of bulk chemical fertilizers, which adversely impacts soil health and ecosystem stability. Nano-sized fertilizers are preferred due to their unique properties in comparison to their bulk counterparts. Although nanofertilizers are preferable, their effects on certain ecosystem functions are unknown. In this study, the effect of iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) nanoparticles (NPs) on the rhizospheric and endophytic microbial communities associated with mustard spinach (Brassica rapa) was investigated. The primary objective was to assess how phytosynthesized and commercial Fe₂O₃ NPs influence soil physicochemical properties, plant growth, and microbial diversity.

Approach/Activities:

Seed germination experiments were conducted in vitro to determine the optimal efficacy of various concentrations of Fe₂O₃ (5, 10, 30, 50, 100, and 150 mg/L) on seed germination. Pot trial experiments were conducted under controlled conditions in a growth room, where plants were treated with different concentrations of Fe₂O₃ NPs (5 and 150 mg/L) to determine their effect on soil and plant characteristics. Extraction of DNA from soil and plant samples was followed by high-throughput sequencing for analysis of microbial composition and predictive functional profiles of rhizospheric and endophytic microbial communities.

Katiso Mgadi

Affiliation

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(Group 2, Poster Board #85) Influence of Phytosynthesized Fe2O3 Nanoparticles on Spinach Rhizosphere and Endosphere Microbiome