ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Synthesis of Carbon Nanoparticles and Study of Bioaccumulation in Seeds and its Application in Plant Fortification 

The aim of the study is to carry out green synthesis of carbon nanoparticles and to study its applications in plant fortification and to analyze the bioaccumulation of minerals in the seeds. The synthesis of carbon nanoparticles was by pyrolysis of coconut milk. The average particle size and surface morphology was determined by scanning electron microscope, UV spectroscopy was used to find the optical spectra, Raman spectroscopy was conducted for comparing Raman shift and the crystallite size was calculated by (XRD) analysis.  The soil used for cultivation was also analyzed before and after addition of carbon nanoparticles and the changes in pH and amount of minerals and organic matter was studied and showed improved soil characteristics after addition of carbon nanoparticles in a 1:10 ratio. The growth of a monocot and dicot plant species were analyzed as control and test for up to 22 days to study the effect of carbon nanoparticles on physical and chemical parameters of the plant. The results did show a significant rate of increase in root and shoot length of the test plants. Chemical parameters such as concentration of IAA, amount of protein and estimation of chlorophyll was determined by Salkowski test, Lowry’s test and Chlorophyll estimation test respectively which also showed positive results to the addition of carbon nanoparticles. There was also a significant increase in magnesium content in the seeds which proved mineral bioaccumulation in the soil as a result of carbon nanoparticle addition.