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Invasion of Microplastic-Derived DOM Disturbs Soil–Microbe–Plant System through Component-Driven Effects
Original title: Invasion of Microplastic-Derived DOM Disturbs Soil–Microbe–Plant System through Component-Driven Effects
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When plastic breaks down in soil, it releases dissolved chemicals that can seep into the ground where crops grow—and this study found those chemicals can throw off soil health, harmful microbes, and even how well vegetables like cabbage grow, depending on the type and amount of plastic residue. At low doses, one type of plastic residue actually helped plants grow, while at higher doses it stunted them and increased plant stress—showing that microplastic pollution's effects on our food supply aren't one-size-fits-all, and even small amounts matter.
Microplastic-derived dissolved organic matter poses an emerging threat to terrestrial ecosystems. Here, we investigated the effects of PP-DOM and PS-DOM (at concentrations of 0.1, 1, and 10 mg/L) on Chinese cabbage ( Brassica rapa ), planted soils, and soil microbial communities. PP-DOM at 1 mg/L increased soil TOC, TN, and phosphorus, enriched opportunistic pathogens ( Scedosporium ), and affected iron outer membrane receptor proteins, while 1 mg/L PS-DOM enhanced available nitrogen and nitrogen-transforming bacteria ( Rhodobacter, Luteimonas, and Nitrosospira ). Both of them increased the abundance of three carbon metabolism-related genes ( galR, atoB, fabG ). PP-DOM stimulated plant growth at 0.1 mg/L but inhibited growth at higher concentrations; PS-DOM exhibited the opposite trend. PP-DOM at higher concentrations reduced chlorophyll and suppressed CAT/superoxide dismutase activities, while high-level PS-DOM increased chlorophyll and carotenoids with weaker oxidative damage. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that MP-DOM modulated the plant photosynthetic and amino acid metabolism pathways. Collectively, MP-DOM chemical composition critically shapes soil–microbe–plant ecological outcomes.
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