Cerium oxide nanoparticles transformation at the root–soil interface of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Abstract

The transformation of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO₂-NPs) in soil and its role in plant uptake is a critical knowledge gap in the literature. This study investigated the reduction and speciation of CeO₂-NPs in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivated in soil amended with 250 mg CeO₂-NPs per kg soil. Synchrotron micro-X-ray fluorescence (μXRF) was employed for spatial localization and speciation of CeO₂-NPs in thin sections of intact roots at the soil–root interface. Results revealed that Ce was largely localized in soil and at the root surface in nanoparticulate form (84–90%). However, a few hot spots on root surfaces revealed highly significant reduction (56–98%) of CeO₂-NPs [Ce(IV)] to Ce(III) species. Interestingly, only roots in close proximity to hot spots showed Ce uptake which was largely CeO₂ (90–91%) with very little amount of Ce(III) (9–10%). These results suggest that the reduction of CeO₂-NPs to Ce(III) is needed to facilitate uptake of Ce. Future studies should investigate the reducing agents (e.g. exudates, microbes) involved in CeO₂-NPs in barley roots.