We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Impact of starch-based bioplastic on growth and biochemical parameters of basil plants
AI summary Read the abstract
"Eco-friendly" bioplastics used in farming (like biodegradable mulch films) may not be as harmless as marketed: this study found that basil plants grown in soil containing bioplastic residue grew smaller, had less chlorophyll and vitamin C, and showed signs of cell stress compared to plants grown in normal soil. While this research looked at plant health rather than direct human effects, it raises questions about whether bioplastics breaking down in farm soil could affect crop quality and nutrition, suggesting that switching from conventional plastics to bioplastics isn't automatically a health or environmental win without more testing.
The recent use of bioplastics in agriculture is considered an ecological choice, aimed at limiting the environmental impact of plastics, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. However, the impact of bioplastic residues on the environment is unclear as knowledge is lacking. This is the first study investigating the effect of a starch-based bioplastic on the growth and biochemical parameters of basil. Bioplastic was experimentally prepared and added to the soil at 2.5 % (w/w), corresponding to twice the concentration of plastic mulch film residues currently found in cultivated soils, in view of the increasing agricultural use of bioplastics. Basil plants were grown without (controls) and with bioplastic addition for 35 days, under controlled experimental conditions. Compared to the control, plants exposed to bioplastic showed stunted growth (in terms of shoot fresh weight, height, and number of leaves). Significant reductions in the content of chlorophyll, protein, ascorbic acid, and glucose were also observed. Finally, the treatment caused oxidative stress, as evidenced by the increased content of malondialdehyde in the shoots. The addition of bioplastic increased the electrical conductivity and reduced the cation exchange capacity of the cultivation soil. These results suggest that bioplastic in soil may promote the onset of stressful conditions for plant growth in a similar manner to plastic. They will be complemented by further investigations to unravel the mechanisms underlying these responses, involving different doses and types of bioplastics and other crop species.
More Papers Like This
Dose-Dependent Effects of a Corn Starch-Based Bioplastic on Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.): Implications for Growth, Biochemical Parameters, and Nutrient Content
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested how a corn starch-based bioplastic affects basil plants when mixed into soil at various concentrations. Higher bioplastic levels reduced plant growth and caused oxidative stress, while also changing the plants' antioxidant activity and altering nutrient uptake patterns. While bioplastics are promoted as eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastics, this study suggests they can still stress plants and affect food crop quality when they accumulate in agricultural soil.
Comparing the impact of microplastics derived from a biodegradable and a conventional plastic mulch on plant performance
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers directly compared how microplastics from biodegradable and conventional plastic mulch films affect plant growth and found that biodegradable plastic particles actually reduced plant biomass more than conventional plastic particles in some cases. This challenges the assumption that biodegradable plastics are always safer for agriculture, since their breakdown products may still harm crops that end up in the human food supply.
Exploring sustainable alternatives: Wood distillate alleviates the impact of bioplastic in basil plants
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested whether wood distillate — a natural byproduct of wood processing — could counteract the growth-stunting effects of starch-based bioplastic on basil plants, finding that it partially restored plant health markers like vitamin C levels. The study highlights that even bioplastics can harm crops, and that natural plant treatments may help offset these effects in sustainable agriculture.
Microplastic exposure reduces plant biomass and chlorophyll content with no detectable safety advantage for biodegradable polymers
AI summary Read the abstract
This review pooled data from 31 studies and found that microplastics, whether "regular" plastic or the biodegradable kind used in eco-friendly farm mulch films, both shrink plant growth by about 19% and reduce chlorophyll (the stuff plants need for photosynthesis) by a similar amount. The "biodegradable" plastics didn't turn out to be any safer for crops, meaning swapping to them may not actually protect our food supply from plastic pollution like many assume. Since these microplastics build up in soil where our food grows, this matters for anyone hoping that "biodegradable" labels guarantee a health
Effects of microplastics derived from biodegradable mulch film on different plant species growth and soil properties
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied how microplastics from biodegradable mulch film affect the growth of five different crop species in soil. They found that cabbages and strawberries were most sensitive, with reduced growth at higher microplastic concentrations, while other crops showed little effect. The findings suggest that even biodegradable plastics can break down into microplastics that may harm certain agricultural crops.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.