Synthesis, Characterization, and Impact of Different Carbon-Based Nanomaterials on Gram (Cicer arietinum) Plant Growth and Soil Properties

Kalpana Awasthi¹, Kritika Gupta² and Rajani Srivastava^2*

¹Department of Physics, K.N. Govt. P. G. College, Gyanpur, Bhadohi, India

²Environmental Science (Env. Tech.), RGSC, Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development, Banaras Hindu University, India

Corresponding Author E-mail: rajani.srivastava25@gmail.com

Abstract:

The ecology and general public health are badly impacted by the prolonged usage of chemical fertilizers. Applying carbon-based nanomaterials is one of the best options available for accelerating plant growth while reducing harm to the environment. The current study aims to assess the effects of graphene oxides (GO), functionalized carbon nanotubes (FCNTs), and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on plant growth and soil nutrient content.  To observe the impact on gram plant growth and soil parameters, we synthesized and applied GO, FCNTs, and CNTs at a rate of 100µg/mL (120 g per kg soil) in the corresponding pots. After 90 days of seed sowing, GO-treated crops showed a 41% increase in crop height compared to the control (no nanomaterials), but this increase was 33% and 40% in CNTs - and FCNTs-treated crops, respectively. When compared to the control, the GO-treated plants shown a twofold increase in root length; in contrast, the FCNTs and CNTs-treated plants showed increases of 60% and 25%, respectively. The highest increases in plant biomass, soil organic matter, total nitrogen, microbial biomass, and enzymatic activity were observed in plants treated with GO. A 52% increase in SDA was seen in the GO-treated soil as compared to the control; in the FCNTs and CNTs-treated soils, this increase was 32% and 19%, respectively. An organic material with a carbon base is a carbon-based nanomaterial, which has the ability to control the soil microenvironment and activate soil enzyme activity. The results verified that incorporating carbon-based nanomaterials, particularly GO, into the soil might enhance the growth of gram plants and the sustainability of the soil.

Keywords:

Carbon Nanotubes; Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes; Graphene Oxide; Nanomaterials; Plant Growth; Sustainability

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