Effects of silver nanoparticles on dormant bud germination, seedling survival, and growth of Spirodela polyrhiza (L.) Schleid

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are an emerging environmental pollutant. In this study, dormant buds of Spirodela polyrhiza were chosen to investigate the effects of AgNPs on germination, survival, and growth of propagules. Results showes that AgNPs inhibited the germination of dormant buds and high concentrations (10 mg/L) even caused death. The number and area of fronds and content of photosynthetic pigments decreased gradually with the increase in concentration after germination of dormant buds and chlorophyll a was the most sensitive parameter to AgNP toxicity. This study showed that AgNPs, as a novel pollutant, have inhibitory effects on the germination and growth of asexual propagules of aquatic plants, and thus exhibit certain ecological risks.