Assessment of CuO NPs on soil microbial community structure based on phospholipid fatty acid techniques and phytotoxicity of bok choy seedlings

In this study, a soil culture and a hydroponic experiment were conducted to assess the toxicology effects of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) on soil microbial community structure and the growth of bok choy. Results showed CuO NPs had an inhibitory effect on soil microbial abundance, diversity, and activity, as well as the bok choy seedling growth, whereas CuO NPs at low concentrations did not significantly affect the soil microbial biomass or plant growth. In soil, CuO NPs at high dose (80 mg kg−1) significantly reduced the indexes of Simpson diversity, Shannon–Wiener diversity and Pielou evenness by 3.7%, 4.9% and 4.5%, respectively. In addition, CuO NPs at 20 and 80 mg kg−1 treatment significantly reduced soil enzymes (urease, alkaline phosphatase, dehydrogenase, and catalase) activities by 25.5%–58.9%. Further, CuO NPs at 20 mg L−1 significantly inhibited the growth of plant root by 33.8%, and catalase (CAT) activity by 17.9% in bok choy seedlings. The present study can provide a basis for a comprehensive evaluation of the toxicity effect of CuO NPs on soil microorganisms and phytotoxicity to bok choy seedlings. [Display omitted] •CuO NPs had an inhibitory effect on soil microbial abundance, diversity, and activity.•The reduction of soil enzymes activities was related to the soil microbial diversity.•High rate of CuO NPs significantly inhibited the plant growth.