Quantify Plant Uptake of Calcium Oxide Nanoparticles from Foliar Nanofertilizers

Determine the extent and distribution of calcium oxide (CaO) nanoparticles absorbed by plants following foliar application of CaO nanoparticle-based nanofertilizers formulated with citric acid as a chelating agent, in order to enable a conclusive assessment of potential human health consequences arising from nanoparticle accumulation in edible plant tissues.

Background

Calcium oxide nanoparticles have been proposed as an environmentally friendly nanofertilizer due to their abundance, simple preparation, and low cost. Field tests using foliar feeding in the presence of citric acid as a chelating agent have shown increased Ca2+ content in fruit peels and thicker cell walls, suggesting agronomic benefits.

However, risk assessment requires understanding whether and to what extent intact CaO nanoparticles are taken up and translocated within plants, particularly into edible tissues. Without quantitative uptake data, evaluating possible human exposure and health implications remains difficult.