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Aged polylactic acid microplastics with ultraviolet irradiation stunted pakchoi (Brassica chinensis L.) germination and growth with cadmium in hydroponics
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Researchers found that UV-aged biodegradable PLA microplastics were more harmful to plant growth than fresh ones, especially when combined with cadmium contamination. The aged microplastics increased oxidative damage and reduced nutrient uptake in pakchoi plants. This matters because biodegradable plastics are promoted as eco-friendly alternatives, but they may become more toxic as they break down in the environment.
The presence of biodegradable microplastics (BMPs) alongside toxic metals in soil significantly threatens plant health. Current research mainly focuses on the effects of original BMPs. In contrast, the specific impacts of ultraviolet (UV)-aged BMPs and their interaction with Cadmium (Cd) on seed germination and growth are unclear. Therefore, this study incubated aged polylactic acid (PLA) MPs through a UV irradiation aging process and used an indoor hydroponic experiment to systematically investigate the single and combined effects of Cd and BMPs (virgin and aged) on pakchoi (Brassica chinensis L.) germination, photosynthesis, antioxidant systems, and Cd accumulation. The results showed that after 21 days of UV irradiation (UPLA MPs), PLA MPs formed a fractured surface, demonstrating more detrimental effects on pakchoi than virgin ones. UPLA MPs and Cd alone inhibited pakchoi germination, growth, and photosynthesis, while PLA MPs alone promoted these processes. Combined treatment with Cd and UPLA MPs significantly increased oxidative damage and reduced pakchoi root length, chlorophyll, Mg, Mn, and Zn content. Under the combination of Cd and BMPs, PLA MPs could effectively alleviate the toxic effect of Cd on pakchoi. The results unraveled here emphasized that UPLA MPs, especially aged BMPs, could trigger adverse effects on agro-systems with heavy metals. Therefore, the results of this study can provide a new perspective and reference for the ecological risk evaluation of Cd and BMPs pollution in agricultural soils.
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Naturally aged polylactic acid microplastics stunted pakchoi (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) growth with cadmium in soil
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Researchers investigated the combined effects of naturally aged polylactic acid (PLA) microplastics and cadmium on pakchoi growth in soil. The study found that aged PLA microplastics were more detrimental than virgin ones, and the combination with cadmium further stunted plant growth and disrupted antioxidant systems and soil microbial activities.
Single and combined effect of polyethylene microplastics (virgin and naturally aged) and cadmium on pakchoi (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) under different growth stages
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Researchers examined the single and combined effects of polyethylene microplastics and cadmium on pakchoi vegetables at different growth stages. The study found that naturally aged microplastics had different effects than virgin ones, and that the combination of microplastics and cadmium could worsen oxidative stress and nutrient disruption in plants, particularly during early growth.
Natural Aging IntensifiesMicroplastic Phytotoxicityin Brassica chinensis
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Researchers compared pristine and artificially aged polyethylene and polystyrene microplastics applied to pak choi (Brassica chinensis) in soil over 45 days. Aged MPs with oxidised surfaces caused stronger phytotoxicity than pristine MPs, reducing plant biomass and disrupting soil enzyme activity, demonstrating that environmental weathering worsens MP impacts on crops.
The toxicological effect on pak choi of co-exposure to degradable and non-degradable microplastics with oxytetracycline in the soil
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This study tested how microplastics and the antibiotic oxytetracycline, both common contaminants in farmland soil, affect pak choi (a leafy vegetable). Both types of microplastics harmed root growth, photosynthesis, and plant metabolism, and surprisingly, biodegradable PLA microplastics caused more damage than conventional polyethylene ones. The findings suggest that microplastic contamination in agricultural soil could reduce crop quality and nutritional value, with so-called eco-friendly plastics potentially being worse for plants.
Environmental effects of biodegradable microplastics in cadmium-contaminated soil and their regulation on cadmium bioavailability.
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A pot experiment tested four biodegradable microplastics (PLA, PBAT, PBS, PCL) in cadmium-contaminated soil growing pak choi. PBAT reduced plant cadmium uptake and plant stress, while PLA, PBS, and PCL increased cadmium availability, plant uptake, and plant damage, with effects linked to changes in soil chemistry and soil bacteria.
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