Carbon Nanodots Derived from Kitchen Waste Biomass as a Growth Accelerator for Fenugreek Plant

Abstract

Herein, we report the utilization of kitchen waste biomass as a source of carbonaceous material for carbon nanodots synthesis and its application as a plant growth regulator in agricultural crops. The water soluble carbon dots (CDs) were synthesized by pyrolysis of kitchen derived waste tea residue (WTR) and used in the field of agriculture nanotechnology. Herein, we have explored the effect of different concentrations of WTR-CDs (10, 30 and 50 mg/L) on growth of FG with respect to various plant growth parameters. It was observed that the WTR-CDs has positive effect on all plant growth parameters investigated and also assist for micronutrient uptake which is confirmed by AAS and zeta potential measurement. UV light, Fluorescence spectroscopy, and confocal fluorescence microscopy examination were employed for the understanding of uptake and transport route of WTR-CDs in FG plant through absorption of WTR-CDs by root as well as seed coat along with water. Therefore, the growth of FG was a significant increase in quality of the plant which appears to be effective and no serious side effects were seen during the study.