Assessment of graphene oxide as an attenuator of the toxic effect of aluminum on Persian clover seed germination

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of graphene oxide on the germination of Persian clover seeds and its possible attenuating effect on aluminum stress. The seeds were sown on substrate paper and tested at varying concentrations of graphene oxide, aluminum and/or graphene oxide + aluminum concomitantly. They were then stored in a germination chamber at a temperature of 20 °C with a photoperiod of 12 h. The nanomaterials were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopic. Seed germination and growth parameters (length and dry mass) of seedlings were evaluated. The nanomaterial did not cause adverse effects on Persian clover seed germination. However, the addition of aluminum above 125 mg L^-1 was found to be harmful resulting in a decrease in germination, total and root length, and seedling dry mass. Nevertheless, simultaneous exposure to graphene oxide/aluminum, did not affect the initial growth nor the germination parameters of the seeds.