Graphene oxide nanomaterials reduce tetrabromobisphenol-A accumulation and attenuate phytotoxicity in Allium cepa

This study offers a novel insight into the phytotoxic dynamics of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and graphene oxide (GO) nanomaterial on Allium cepa , integrating biochemical stress markers with characterization of contaminant uptake. TBBPA exposure alone significantly compromised cell viability (up to 50 % at 10 mg L −1 ), elevated total reactive oxygen species (ROS), including hydroxyl and superoxide radicals, and intensified lipid peroxidation (LPO), while modulating antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). When GO was applied individually, it induced moderate oxidative stress (46 % at 25 mg L −1 ); however, its co-application with TBBPA revealed an antagonistic interaction, mitigating ROS generation, reducing LPO, and partially restoring cell viability (13 %). Enzymatic profiles further supported this attenuation, suggesting a stress-buffering role of GO. LC-MS analysis confirmed the actual concentration of TBBPA in the exposure medium, and root uptake studies demonstrated a significant reduction in TBBPA accumulation in the presence of GO, suggesting that GO interferes with the bioaccumulation of the contaminant. Interestingly, TBBPA was also shown to hinder the bioavailability of GO when plants were co-exposed to both substances. This is the first report to correlate biochemical perturbations with uptake dynamics under combined exposure, highlighting the antagonistic modulation of organic pollutant toxicity by carbon nanomaterials in crop systems. The findings advance our understanding of emerging contaminant interactions and offer a mechanistic basis for sustainable risk assessment in agroecological contexts. • GO adsorbs TBBPA via π–π stacking, reducing its uptake and bioavailability. • Co-exposure with GO lowers ROS and cytotoxicity in A. cepa root cells. • LC-MS confirms dose-dependent TBBPA adsorption on GO in aqueous media. • GO–TBBPA interaction shows antagonism, enhancing plant cell viability.