We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Influences of microplastics alone and co-contaminated with cadmium on physiological responses of Chinese cabbage ( Brassica campestris L.), rhizosphere microbes and soil properties in soil
Summary
Scientists tested how plastic pollution (microplastics) and cadmium, a toxic heavy metal, affect Chinese cabbage grown in contaminated soil, both matter because they can build up in crops we eat and impact human health. Surprisingly, small-to-moderate amounts of microplastics actually helped protect the cabbage from cadmium's harmful effects by changing soil chemistry and boosting helpful soil microbes, though this doesn't mean microplastic pollution is safe overall. This research shows the relationship between plastic pollution and toxic metals in soil is complicated, and more study is needed before we underst
Cadmium (Cd) and microplastics (MPs) alone can degrade soils, reduce crop yields and quality, and enter the food chain, seriously affecting human health. However, our understanding of how the two work together is limited. Here, we explore the effects of two types of MPs, polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), on Chinese cabbage in terms of physiological responses, soil properties, and the structure and function of the soil microbial community. Potting experiments were conducted separately with PE and PVC set at five doses (0, 0.01, 0.1, 1, 5%, w/w) in combination with Cd contamination (0 and 5 mg Cd/kg soil). The treatments with 0.1% PE and 1% PVC were more effective in lessening the inhibition of Cd on the root system. The contents of Chlorophyll a and Chlorophyll b in Chinese cabbage exhibited a propensity to increase and subsequently fall with MP concentration. We demonstrate that MPs increase the pH of soil by 0.09–0.46, whereas Cd addition lowers it by 0.03–0.40. Furthermore, soil catalase and soil urease enzyme activities were significantly impacted by MPs and Cd. The Shannon and Simpson indices of soil microorganisms increased with 5% PVC. The existence of appropriate doses of MPs can reduce Cd stress.