Iron oxide nanoparticle (FeO NPs) synthesized from reduced arsenic (as) toxicity in rice ( L.) plant.

Arsenic (As) is one of the most important water pollutant of global concern due to its extreme hazard. In the present study, synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles (FeO NPs) were used for mitigation of harmful metalloid As from the aqueous solution. Initially, the arsenic removal efficiency was tested in a batch culture experiment across various concentrations (5, 10 and 15 ppm) of synthesized FeO NPs at different pH, time interval and agitation speed. Optimal removal efficiency of As by using synthesized FeO NPs was observed at pH 7, after 80 min, and with agitation at 200 rpm. Additionally, hydroponic culture experiment was designed to assess synthesized FeO NPs efficiency in removal of As from As-contaminated water used to irrigate rice plants. Results revealed that synthesized FeO NPs effectively removed As from the contiminated water and reduced its uptake by the different parts of rice plants (root, shoot and leaf). Furthermore, these synthesized FeO NPs also reduced the bioaccumulation and enhanced plant tolerance to As, suggesting their potential in mitigating heavy metal toxicity, especially As and promoting plant growth. Thus, this study proposes synthesized FeO NPs as nano-adsorbents in reducing arsenic toxicity in rice plants.