Regulating the Cd Tolerance of Jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) with Graphene Oxide Nanosheets and the Toxicity Responses

Graphene oxide (GO) is widely used in various scientific fields, including biochemistry and environmental and plant science, because of its unique physicochemical properties. However, there is limited knowledge about the influence of GO on the growth and cadmium (Cd) tolerance of plants used for environmental remediation. The regulation of GO nanosheets on Cd tolerance in jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) and the toxicity responses of the plant were investigated. Jute seedlings were cultivated in a Cd-contaminated aquatic system in the presence of GO at different concentrations (5, 10, and 20 mg/L). Several parameters, including dry biomass, chlorophyll contents, reactive oxygen species level, and antioxidant enzyme activities, were evaluated in this work. The results suggest that the effects of GO exposure on plant Cd tolerance are concentration dependent; at low concentrations, GO could promote the growth of jute and stimulate the activities of antioxidant enzymes and reduce oxidative stress to facilitate Cd uptake in jute seedlings and improve Cd tolerance. However, GO at high concentrations could inhibit plant growth, decrease Cd uptake, and increase oxidative stress. This study develops a possible application of GO nanosheets for Cd remediation at low concentrations; however, it is still in the early phases of exploration. Furthermore, the potential risks of releasing high concentrations of GO require further research.