Copper sulfide nanoparticles application under field condition increases Eruca sativa morpho-physiological response, yield, and biodiesel production for sustainable energy

Abstract Agronomic parameters have been extensively studied under lab conditions to determine effect of nanoparticles (NPs). However, the yield characteristics have not been determined especially to biodiesel producing crops. This study explores the effect of copper sulfide (CuS) NPs on the growth, biochemical properties, productivity, and oil content of Eruca sativa under field condition. The oil extracted from E. sativa seeds was converted to biodiesel via transesterification reaction and analyzed through FT-IR, GC-MS and NMR. Further the fuel properties were compared with international standards. The results demonstrate that CuS NPs markedly improved root (20.23%) and shoot length (21.17%), branches per plant (45.64%), plant biomass (49.46%), siliqua per plant (48.68%), seeds per siliqua, and oil percentage (18.27%) compared to control plants. Atomic absorption spectroscopy depicts that root accumulated maximum Cu followed by shoot and seeds. Biochemical analysis showed that plants treated with CuS NPs had higher level of protein (175.16 mg/kg FW), superoxide dismutase (0.63 nM/min/gFW) and peroxidase (0.74 nM/min/gFW) activities as compared to control plants. The roots and shoots of E. sativa showed enhanced total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and improved antioxidant activities. The biodiesel yield was up to 85% using 1% KOH as catalyst and 6:1 oil to methanol ratio. FT-IR, NMR and GC-MS analyses of biodiesel indicate that CuS NPs has negligible effect on the biodiesel composition. Fuel properties i.e., pour point, cloud point, flash point, viscosity, density, sulfur content and ash content are found to comply with international standards. This study highlights the potential of CuS NPs in elevating agricultural yield and offers a sustainable approach to biofuel production.