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Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4645-1601

AccessType

Campus-Only Access for Five (5) Years

Document Type

dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Program

Environmental Conservation

Year Degree Awarded

2023

Month Degree Awarded

September

First Advisor

Baoshan Xing

Second Advisor

Jason White

Third Advisor

Masoud Hashemi

Abstract

Many kinds of organic and inorganic nanoparticles, such as pesticides, fertilizers, feed, and additives, are used in agricultural production. However, the widespread use of nanoparticles has caused unimaginable damage to the ecological environment. There is still a relatively poor understanding of how to enjoy the benefits of nanoparticles on agricultural production while avoiding more serious environmental problems. In this thesis, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs), one kind of commonly used nanoparticle but harmful to living organisms, were selected. By studying the effect of CuO NPs on vegetables at appropriate concentrations, it was found that at low concentrations, CuO NPs had a significant positive impact on the growth and quality of vegetables. Firstly, CuO NPs increased vegetable yield by increasing the content of chlorophyll and participating in electron transfer during photosynthesis; Secondly, CuO NPs increased the absorption of nutrients by vegetables by increasing plant transpiration; Thirdly, the copper ions released by CuO NPs were highly reactive with various amino acids and proteins, thereby enhancing the activities of various enzymes and the synthesis of various organic compounds in vegetables; Fourthly, due to the different types of vegetables, the applicable concentrations of CuO NPs varied. Finding the most appropriate concentration for the use of vegetables 3 and summarizing the regular pattern can not only improve the efficiency of vegetables but also reduce environmental pollution caused by nanoparticles. Overall, these results are useful for understanding the phenomenon and mechanism of CuO NPs in promoting different types of vegetables. These findings are also useful for reducing copper waste in agricultural production and alleviating the global shortage of copper usage.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.7275/35990707

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