Effects of Copper Oxide (CuO) and Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Nano and Bulk Forms to Soil Fungal Community [RESEARCH NOTE]

Authors

Jonathan Jaime Guerrero, Bicol University College of Science Department of Biology, Legazpi CityFollow
Teresita Dalisay, Institute of Weed Science, Entomology, and Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna
Nolissa Organo, Agricultural Systems Institute, Division of Soil Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, LagunaFollow
Ireneo Pangga, Institute of Weed Science, Entomology, and Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna

Publication Date

9-1-2021

Abstract

The effects of copper oxide (CuO) and zinc oxide (ZnO) in bulk and nano forms on soil fungal community was determined. Lipa clay loam soil collected from the University of the Philippines Los Baños were placed in polypropylene bags and amended with 300 mg/L of CuO or ZnO in either forms. Colony-forming units (CFU) as well as average well color development (AWCD), functional richness and stress index were determined on day 1, 8 and 15 via indirect viable plate count method and community – level physiological profiling (CLPP). Fungal isolates from the same soil samples were likewise identified and tested in vitro in terms of radial growth when treated with varying concentrations of the metal oxides. Results indicated no significant difference in CFU, AWCD, functional richness and stress index among treatments. In vitro, responses of fungal isolates differed. CuO was more toxic than ZnO. In both cases, the nature of the compound, not size, was the primary determinant of toxicity. It is recommended that the use of nanotechnology in agriculture be promoted with caution to limit the harmful effects to the soil microbiota and to the environment in general.

Recommended Citation

Guerrero, Jonathan Jaime; Dalisay, Teresita; Organo, Nolissa; and Pangga, Ireneo (2021) "Effects of Copper Oxide (CuO) and Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Nano and Bulk Forms to Soil Fungal Community [RESEARCH NOTE]," The Philippine Agricultural Scientist: Vol. 104: No. 3, Article 10.
Available at: https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/pas/vol104/iss3/10