Lithium-ion batteries are ubiquitous in all our portable technologies, due to their high energy density which allows for the long run-time of electronic devices. A critical component of lithium-ion batteries is the lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) cathode. However, these batteries suffer from a relatively short life-span and low rate of recycling. The entire life cycle of these components was not considered during their design; therefore, the environmental impact of their release is unknown. Previous work on LCO nanoparticles with invertebrates has demonstrated alteration of Fe-containing protein function, resulting in reduced hemoglobin production. Leguminous plants such as soybean require the oxygen-carrying protein leghemoglobin in order to facilitate nitrogen fixation in their nodules. It remains unknown whether LCO nanoparticles will impact leghemoglobin production or function in a manner similar to hemoglobin in invertebrates. In order to assess the potential effects of LCO nanoparticles to leguminous crops, soybeans were grown in soil amended with LCO nanoparticles and their ionic equivalents at concentrations of 0, 10, 25, 50, and 100 mg L<sup>-1 </sup>for 28 days. Fresh biomass, percent moisture content, number of root nodules, photosynthetic pigments, total protein, and enzyme activity related to oxidative stress were evaluated. Additionally, elemental analysis was performed to measure the uptake of Li, Co, and macro/micronutrients in root, stem, and leaf tissues.

Phytotoxicity of lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) nanoparticle contaminated soil to soybean (<i>Glycine max</i>)

ACS Fall 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.

Phytotoxicity of lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) nanoparticle contaminated soil to soybean (Glycine max)