We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Influence of Polyethylene Terephthalate, Polyvinyl Chloride, and Low-Density Polyethylene Microplastics on Plant Growth Physiology in Three Model Crops
AI summary Read the abstract
Tiny plastic particles from pollution (called microplastics) can build up in soil and harm crops like chickpeas, oats, and flax—stunting their growth, damaging their leaves, and reducing how well they sprout, with plastic from bottles (PET) causing the most damage. Since these crops are part of our food supply, this research is a reminder that plastic pollution in farmland soil could eventually affect crop yields and the quality of food we eat.
Microplastic (MP) pollution in terrestrial ecosystems is an emerging concern because of its adverse effects on soil health and crop productivity. This study assessed the phytotoxic effects of three polymers, Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) on seed germination, early growth, and physiology of Cicer arietinum, Avena sativa, and Linum usitatissimum. Laboratory and pot experiments using graded microplastic concentrations showed clear dose-dependent responses. Higher microplastic levels reduced germination, seedling vigor, root and shoot length, and biomass, with PET causing the greatest inhibition, followed by PVC. LDPE slightly promoted root growth at low doses but became inhibitory at higher concentrations. Chlorophyll declined at elevated MP levels, indicating impaired photosynthesis, while electrolyte leakage suggested membrane damage, especially under LDPE exposure. Overall toxicity ranked PET > PVC > LDPE, underscoring the risks of microplastics to crops and agroecosystem sustainability.
More Papers Like This
Impact of Microplastics on Germination Index and Proline Content of Crop Plants
AI summary Read the abstract
Tiny plastic bits from pollution are seeping into farm soil, and this study found they can slow seed sprouting and stunt early growth in crops like peas and amaranth—with peas struggling more than amaranth. Since these crops end up on our plates, this research is an early warning sign that plastic pollution could eventually affect food supply and quality, reinforcing why cutting down on plastic waste matters for both the environment and what we eat.
Effects of polyethylene microplastics on the growth of Arabidopsis thaliana & Phaseolus vulgaris and their soil
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed the plants Arabidopsis thaliana and Phaseolus vulgaris to polyethylene microplastics at different concentrations and found effects on plant growth and soil microbial communities. The study contributes to a limited but growing body of evidence on how microplastic pollution in agricultural soils may affect crop plants and soil health.
Assessment of physiological stress on plants grown in soil contaminated with microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested how three types of microplastics (PET, HDPE, and polyester) affect the growth and health of spring onion and okra plants. They found that all microplastic types reduced chlorophyll levels, increased oxidative stress, and stunted plant growth, with HDPE and polyester causing the most damage. The study highlights the potential ecological risks microplastics pose to vegetable crops grown in contaminated soil.
Effects of polyethylene terephthalate microplastic on germination, biochemistry and phytotoxicity of Cicer arietinum L. and cytotoxicity study on Allium cepa L
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied the effects of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics on chickpea germination and onion root tip cells at concentrations ranging from 50 to 1,000 mg/L. The study found a sharp decrease in germination rates along with biochemical changes and cytotoxic effects at higher microplastic concentrations. Evidence indicates that PET microplastics in soil can negatively affect both plant development and cellular processes.
Effects of Soil Plastic Contamination on the Early Growth of Pea Plant (Pisum sativum)
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists found that plastic contamination in soil can harm pea plants early in their growth, potentially affecting how well crops develop. This matters because plastic waste is building up in farmland soil, not just oceans, and if it hurts the food crops we grow, tiny plastic particles could end up in our food supply and affect crop yields we depend on.
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.