Ultraviolet Protection Action of Carbon Nanoparticles in Leaves

Carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) have been explored widely in many fields of science and technology owing to its unique physical, chemical, mechanical, and biological properties. The interaction of the visible region of the electromagnetic radiation with plants and their role in photosynthesis is well studied. The antenna pigments in the protein matrix of thylakoid play a significant role in energy transport mechanism involved in photosynthesis. The energy absorbed by the proteins in the UV region also involves in the energy transport. The present work is aimed to understand the absorption of radiation by leaves in the ultraviolet (UV) region and the impact of CNPs produced by internal combustion diesel engines (ICE) in altering the absorbance level. The effect of CNPs is found to lower the UV absorbance by leaves and thus acting as UV shield, protecting the leaves from cell damages. The characterization of the CNP and leaves is done by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and UV-visible spectrophotometer.