The
synthesis
of
biological
silicon
nano-particles
(Bio-Si-NPs)
is
an
eco-friendly
and
low
cost
method.
There
is
no
study
focusing
on
the
effect
of
Bio-Si-NPs
on
the
plants
grown
on
saline
soil
contaminated
with
heavy
metals.
In
this
study,
an
attempt
was
made
to
syn
thesis
Bio-Si-NPs
using
potassium
silica
florid
substrate,
and
the
identified
Aspergillus
tub
ingensis
AM11
isolate
that
separated
from
distribution
systems
of
the
potable
water.
A
two
year
field
trial
was
conducted
to
compare
the
protective
effects
of
Bio-Si-NPs
(2.5
and
5.0
mmol/L)
and
potassium
silicate
(10
mmol/L)
as
a
foliar
spray
on
the
antioxidant
defense
system,
physio-biochemical
components,
and
the
contaminants
contents
of
Phaseolus
vul
garis
L.
grown
on
saline
soil
contaminated
with
heavy
metals.
Our
findings
showed
that
all
treatments
of
Bio-Si-NPs
and
potassium
silicate
significantly
improved
plant
growth
and
production,
chlorophylls,
carotenoids,
transpiration
rate,
net
photosynthetic
rate,
stomatal
conductance,
membrane
stability
index,
relative
water
content,
free
proline,
total
soluble
sugars,
N,
P,
K,
Ca
2
+
,
K
+
/Na
+
,
and
the
activities
of
peroxidase,
catalase,
ascorbic
peroxidase
and
superoxide
oxide
dismutase.
Application
of
Bio-Si-NPs
and
potassium
silicate
signifi
cantly
decreased
electrolyte
leakage,
malondialdehyde,
H
2
O
2
,
O
2
•
−,
Na
+
,
Pb,
Cd,
and
Ni
in
leaves
and
pods
of
Phaseolus
vulgaris
L.
compared
to
control.
Bio-Si-NPs
were
more
effective
compared
to
potassium
silicate.
Application
of
Bio-Si-NPs
at
the
rate
of
5
mmol/L
was
the
recommended
treatment
to
enhance
the
performance
and
reduce
heavy
metals
content
on
plants
grown
on
contaminated
saline
soils.
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