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Impact of Microplastics on Germination Index and Proline Content of Crop Plants
Summary
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.
Microplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, have become widespread pollutants in various ecosystems due to the extensive use and improper disposal of plastic materials. These particles originate either from the degradation of larger plastic debris or from primary sources such as microbeads and synthetic fibers. While considerable attention has been given to microplastic pollution in marine environments, their infiltration into terrestrial agricultural ecosystems poses a serious threat to soil health and crop productivity. This study aimed to investigate the physiological and biochemical effects of microplastic contamination on crop plants, with particular emphasis on seed germination behaviour and proline content as indicators of stress. The investigation was carried out using two widely cultivated crop species: Pisum sativum (pea) and Amaranthus spp. (Amaranthus). Seeds were exposed to varying concentrations of microplastic particles (low, medium, and high doses) under controlled laboratory conditions for a period of 14 days. The germination index (GI), which integrates both germination percentage and germination speed, was calculated along with other growth parameters such as mean germination time, shoot length, and root length. In addition, proline a stress-related osmoprotectant involved in cellular osmoregulation and antioxidative defense was quantified using spectrophotometric analysis. The findings revealed that microplastic exposure adversely affected seed germination and early seedling development in both crop species, with the effects becoming more severe at higher concentrations. Among the two species, Amaranthus demonstrated greater resilience, exhibiting comparatively higher germination index values and lower proline accumulation than peas, indicating species-specific variations in tolerance to microplastic stress. This research provides valuable insights into the detrimental effects of microplastic pollution on agricultural crops during the earliest stages of plant development. The elevated proline levels observed under microplastic stress indicate oxidative and osmotic stress responses, highlighting proline as a useful biomarker for assessing plant health in contaminated soils. The outcomes of this study underscore the urgent need for effective waste management strategies and regulatory frameworks to reduce microplastic contamination and ensure sustainable agricultural productivity.