Reducing arsenic in rice grains using nanomaterials in optimized greenhouse conditions

Abstract

This study addresses the critical issue of arsenic contamination in rice, a staple for nearly half the global population, which poses significant health risks due to its high toxicity. Conducted in a controlled greenhouse setting in Perlis, Malaysia, the research investigates the efficacy of silica nanoparticles and graphene in reducing arsenic uptake in rice plants grown in soils with varying arsenic concentrations (2, 7, and 12 mg/kg). Pot experiments assessed plant growth parameters and arsenic levels in rice grains using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The findings revealed that silica nanoparticles significantly outperformed graphene, achieving up to 93% arsenic reduction in control plants and 35% at the highest arsenic concentration, while graphene exhibited lower inhibition rates. High arsenic levels (12 mg/kg) severely impacted plant height, tillering, grain number, and weight, with graphene-treated plants succumbing before 75 days. The study highlights silica nanoparticles' ability to compete with arsenic for uptake pathways, reducing its translocation from roots to grains. By exploring nanomaterial applications, this research provides a comprehensive analysis of arsenic mitigation strategies, offering a promising, eco-friendly approach to enhance rice safety and reduce health risks for consumers. These findings contribute to sustainable agricultural practices and inform future efforts to address heavy metal contamination in food crops.