[Effects of ZnO Nanoparticles, ZnSO₄ and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus on the Growth of Maize].

As one of the most widely used metal-based nanoparticles (NPs), ZnO NPs have been shown to be toxic to organisms. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi can improve mineral nutrition and increase the resistance of host plants. However, little is known on the interaction between ZnO NPs and other Zn pollutants, as well as the effect of AM fungi on their biological effects. The present greenhouse pot culture experiment studied the effects of inoculation with or without AM fungus Funneliformis mosseae BEG 167 on the growth of maize in soil supplemented with ZnO NPs and ZnSO₄ (500 mg · kg⁻¹) seperately or in combination. The results showed that ZnO NPs inhibited mycorrhizal colonization and the growth of maize plants, showing similar phytotoxicity and effects to ZnSO₄at the same concentration (500 mg · kg⁻¹). Compared with the nonmycorrhizal controls, AM fungal inoculation decreased Zn concentrations or uptake in maize plants, and showed a better growth-promoting effect in the combination treatment. Our results showed for the first time that there was a complex interaction in their biological toxicity between ZnO NPs and ZnSO₄, while AM fungal inoculation exhibited a protective effect under combined pollution of ZnO NPs and ZnSO₄.