Green Synthesis of Biogenic Nano Zerovalent Iron Using <i>Cleistocalyx nervosum</i> Leaf Extract for Enhancing Peanut Seed Germination and <i>Basella alba</i> Growth
Van Phuong Nguyen, Hoai Phuong Nguyen Thi, Huu Thuan, Cașen Panaitescu, Duong Duc La, Duy Khiem Nguyen
Abstract
High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide In this study, biogenic nano zerovalent iron (bio-nZVI) was synthesized through a green approach using Cleistocalyx nervosum ( C. nervosum ) leaf extract for use as a nanopriming agent for improving peanut seed germination and Basella alba growth. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results demonstrated that bio-nZVI was successfully synthesized. The as-synthesized bio-nZVI had a spherical shape with a size ranging from 80 to 350 nm. The prepared bio-nZVI had a core–shell structure with a core of Fe 0 and a shell of Fe 2 O 3, and this core–shell structure was covered by an organic layer derived from the leaf extract. The synthesized bio-nZVI was applied to peanut seeds and Basella alba plants at concentrations ranging from 10 to 320 mg/L to enhance seed germination and plant growth. The results demonstrated that bio-nZVI at optimal concentrations of 20–40 mg/L could significantly improve peanut seed germination and promote Basella alba growth. However, no significant effect on enhancing peanut seed germination and Basella alba plant growth was observed when applying a bio-nZVI solution at higher concentrations. These findings suggest that bio-nZVI could be a promising germination promoter and eco-friendly growth enhancer for agricultural applications; thereby, it has great potential for increasing crop productivity and meeting demand for grain worldwide.