Assessing the influence of 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride on soil characteristics and Vicia faba seedlings

Imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) have attracted increasing attention in recent years. The IL 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([C12mim]Cl) has been widely used in the chemical industry. In this study, the influence of [C12mim]Cl on Vicia faba seedlings, soil physicochemical properties and soil enzyme activities was investigated for the first time. Meanwhile, the variation of [C12mim]Cl concentrations in soil was monitored during the exposure period. The present results showed that the concentration of [C12mim]Cl remained stable in the tested soil with a change rate of no more than 10% during the exposure period. The 50% effective concentration (EC50) values for shoot length, root length and dry weight were 188, 69 and 132 mg kg−1, respectively. At 200 mg kg−1 and 400 mg kg−1, [C12mim]Cl had significant influence on soil organic matter content, pH value and conductivity value. At 40 mg kg−1, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were obviously enhanced, resulting in oxidative stress effects in Vicia faba seedling leaves. Additionally, the soil enzyme activities changed significantly at 40 mg kg−1.