mercuric oxide nanoparticles deferred germination and devastated root anatomy of maize

Given the widespread use of mercuric oxide nps (hgo-nps), they have become increasingly prevalent in the soil ecosystem. consequently, it is important to promptly evaluate their phytotoxic impacts. to this end, we have investigated the effects of hgo-nps (0-200 mg/l) on germination and early growth of maize. moreover, we have evaluated the interactive influences of hgo-nps toxicity on the elongation and anatomical structures of primary roots. relative to control, hgo-nps decreased the germination percentage, speed and rate, but increased the mean germination time, mean daily germination time and time to 50% germination. the length and biomass of root and shoot and seedling vigour indices have significantly deteriorated. the inhibitory impacts of hgo-nps on growth parameters were more pronounced in root than in shoot. the response of root was concomitant with dose and time-dependent inhibitions in root elongation and significant drops in root diameter, stele size, cortex size, and cortical cells count. the consequences of hgo-nps were dose-dependent. for instance, the decrease of maize germination, growth, root elongation, and anatomy were more evident at 200 mg/l hgo-nps compared to other doses and control. overall, this study suggests that the presence of hgo-nps leads to phytotoxic effects on germination and growth of young seedlings, highlighting a noteworthy challenge and environmental concern.