Facile synthesis of ZnO/Biochar Nanocomposites (ZBNcs) and investigation of their nano-priming effects on reducing the accumulation of arsenic (As) in Triticum aestivum cv. Azar-2

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the priming effect of ZnO/biochar nanocomposites (ZBNCs) in mitigating arsenic (As) toxicity in wheat plants. The research question focuses on how ZBNCs can reverse the adverse effects of As stress on plant growth and physiological functions. ZBNCs were synthesized via a one-step carbonization process using grape leaf waste. Characterization of the nanoparticles was performed using SEM, FT-IR spectroscopy, and XRD analysis. The synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) were then used for seed priming at concentrations of 0, 25, 50, and 75 mg/L to assess their effects on wheat plants exposed to As at concentrations of 0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/L. As stress impaired wheat growth and physiological parameters in a dose-dependent manner. However, seed priming with ZBNCs reversed growth inhibition, reduced H₂O₂ content and shoot As accumulation, and enhanced POD and GST activities, indicating that ZBNCs mitigate As toxicity primarily through enzymatic antioxidant enhancement and reduced oxidative stress. This study demonstrates the potential of ZBNCs for mitigating As stress in wheat under greenhouse conditions, suggesting their promise for sustainable crop production in As-affected regions.