The durability of negative effects of silver nanoparticles on seed germination and growth characteristics of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in soil

This study was conducted on the stability of the inhibitory effects of Ag nano-particles on seed germination and growth characteristic of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) seeds planted in soil. The study was conducted as a factorial experiment in completely randomized design with 3 replications. Experimental factors were different concentrations of silver nano-particles and different planting dates after mixing Ag nano-particles with soil. The results showed significant differences of the evaluated traits amongst the experimental treatments. Moreover, increasing the concentration of silver nano-particles was shown to result in significant decrease in early growth characteristics compared to control in the all examined planting dates. The maximum reductions in the above mentioned traits were observed in 100 mg/kg silver nano-particles. The reduction for most of the studied traits started at 20 mg/kg silver nano-particles indicated the vulnerably of P. sylvstris to silver nano-particles. These findings showed that Ag nano-particles in the soil have inhibitory effects on seed germination and growth characteristics of P. sylvestris and the time progression decreased the inhibition and toxic effects of silver nanoparticles in soil. This reduction over time could be related to the decreasing silver mobility and bioavailability in the studied soil. Therefore, repeating the current experiment with different woody species and in different environments is recommended.