Melatonin-mediated biochemical and redox adjustments alleviate polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride derived microplastic toxicity in maize

Exogenous Melatonin Application Alleviates Microplastics and Cadmium‐Induced Phytotoxicity in Maize ( Zea mays L.) Plants: Insights From Physiological and Metabolomic Analyses

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Researchers investigated whether exogenous melatonin could alleviate the combined phytotoxicity of microplastics and cadmium in maize plants. The study found that melatonin application reduced oxidative damage and improved plant growth under co-contamination stress, suggesting that melatonin may serve as a biostimulant to help crops cope with the increasingly common co-occurrence of microplastics and heavy metals in agricultural soils.

The toxicity of polyethylene microplastics on molecular and biochemical parameters in albino mice

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Researchers assessed the molecular and biochemical effects of polyethylene microplastic exposure in albino mice, finding dose-dependent toxicity across multiple organ systems, with measurable alterations in liver enzymes, oxidative stress markers, and blood cell parameters consistent with systemic health impacts.

Molecular mechanisms of microplastics toxicity

Reclaiming multi-contaminated soil: melatonin alleviates cadmium and microplastic toxicity to restore rice growth and yield

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Researchers investigated whether melatonin could mitigate the combined toxicity of cadmium and microplastics in agricultural soils to restore rice growth and yield. The study found that melatonin treatment modulated plant physiological function, reduced cadmium uptake, and improved soil properties, offering a promising approach to help crops withstand multi-contaminant stress from both heavy metals and microplastics.

Advances in Physiological and Ecological Effects of Microplastic on Crop

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Researchers reviewed how microplastics accumulate in crops — entering through roots and leaves and reaching edible parts — and found they reduce germination, inhibit photosynthesis, and lower crop yields, raising concerns about plastic contamination in the food we eat.