Date of Award

2016-01-01

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Chemistry

Advisor(s)

Jorge L. Gardea-Torresdey

Abstract

This research was performed to examine the physiological and biochemical effects of bare (nCeO2) and citric acid coated (nCeO2+CA) cerium oxide nanoparticles in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Plants were germinated and grown to full maturity in soil amended with 0-500 mg/kg and periodically analyzed using ICP-OES/MS and other spectroscopic and biochemical techniques. Although Ce in tissues increased as the external nCeO2 increased, there were no visible signs of toxicity. In mature plants, nCeO2 induced developmental changes and altered nutritional quality (essential elements) in fruits. On the other hand, nCeO2+CA affected fruit carbohydrate composition (sugars and starch). This study gives insights on nCeO2 â?? tomato plant interactions, including impacts on the production, nutritional value, and possible trophic transfer of nCeO2.

Language

en

Provenance

Received from ProQuest

File Size

87 pages

File Format

application/pdf

Rights Holder

Ana Cecilia Barrios

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