The impact of cerium oxide nanoparticles on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and its implications for food safety

Sustainable development of nanotechnology requires an understanding of the long term ecotoxicological impact of engineered nanomaterials on the environment. Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO₂-NPs) have great potential to accumulate and adversely affect the environment owing to their widespread applications in commercial products. This study documented the chronic phenotypic response of tomato plants to CeO₂-NPs (0.1-10 mg L⁻¹) and determined the effect of CeO₂-NPs on tomato yield. The results indicated that CeO₂-NPs at the concentrations applied in this study had either an inconsequential or a slightly positive effect on plant growth and tomato production. However, elevated cerium content was detected in plant tissues exposed to CeO₂-NPs, suggesting that CeO₂-NPs were taken up by tomato roots and translocated to shoots and edible tissues. In particular, substantially higher Ce concentrations were detected in the fruits exposed to 10 mg L⁻¹ CeO₂-NPs, compared with controls. This study sheds light on the long term impact of CeO₂-NPs on plant health and its implications for our food safety and security.