Recuperative potential of nano-biochar to alleviate arsenic toxicity in soybean (Glycine max): modulation of uptake, morphological and biochemical properties

Abstract

Arsenic (As) accumulation in soils is steadily rising, making it increasingly toxic to a variety of crop plants and humans. As reduces plant productivity by interfering with several molecular, biochemical, and morphological aspects of plant metabolism. Therefore, introducing new agents to address these issues is imperative. This study demonstrates the effective use of nano-biochar (nano-BC) to mitigate As stress toxicity in Glycine max (soybean) plants. We determined the effect of nano-BC (1% w/w) on mitigating As (50 μM) stress in soybean by examining various growth parameters and metabolic attributes. As stress inhibited plant height (by 51%) and net photosynthetic rate (by 50%) and caused the buildup of reactive oxygen species (ROS); however, nano-BC treatments significantly reversed all these parameters. Moreover, the As stress increased malondialdehyde (by 78%) and hydrogen peroxide (by 67%), which were partially reversed by nano-BC in the As-treated plants. This outcome may be attributed to activation of the plant defense response, particularly antioxidants, triggered by nano-BC. Overall, As tolerance in soybeans was positively regulated by nano-BC. However, additional research is required to fully understand the intricate mechanisms behind nano-BC and its defense mechanism against As.