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Physiological and biochemical responses of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) to polyethylene micro- and nanoplastics exposure
Summary
Scientists exposed basil plants to tiny plastic particles (micro- and nanoplastics) and found the plastics could travel up into the plant's stems and leaves, stunting root growth and causing cell damage and stress. This matters because basil is a common food crop, and this research suggests that plastic pollution in soil could work its way into the plants we eat—raising questions about how much of these plastics might end up on our plates, though more research is needed to understand the risks to human health.
Although plastic threatens terrestrial ecosystems, the effects of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) combination in plants remain poorly understood and need in-depth investigations. This study investigates the effects of polyethylene MNPs (0.1% w/v; Ø 200-9900 nm) on Ocimum basilicum by exposing seeds to MNPs for 5 days (Seed Treatment; ST) or hydroponically-grown 20-day seedlings for 15 days (Plant Treatment; PT). Biometric, physiological, cytological, ultrastructural responses, oxidative stress level and antioxidant responses were analyzed. In PT, transmission electron microscopy revealed MNPs presence in xylem vessel of stem, highlighting the translocation of smaller particles to aerial parts. MNPs adsorption onto roots reduced water uptake, affecting plant metabolism. ST impaired root growth, with signs of cyto-genotoxicity and oxidative damage. PT reduced CO₂ assimilation due to stomatal limitations and altered plants biometric traits, including root length (+42.6%), root biomass (-35.2%) and leaf area. Oxidative stress increased in leaves in terms of HO accumulation (+47.4%) and lipid peroxidation (+22.2%). These findings underscore the detrimental impact of MNPs on basil growth. Further research is essential to elucidate MNPs uptake and translocation mechanisms, and to assess the potential risks of MNPs contamination for plant health and ecosystem integrity.