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Exposure of Bromus hordeaceus to fossil- and plant-based micro- and nanoplastics: Impacts and plant-plastic interactions vary depending on polymer type and growth phase
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Experiments with the grass Bromus hordeaceus showed that both fossil-based polyethylene and plant-based PBAT micro- and nanoplastics affected seed germination and plant development, with impacts varying by polymer type and growth phase.
Plastic pollution, especially pollution by micro- and nanoplastics, is now considered a potential threat to all ecosystems, including terrestrial ecosystems such as grassland habitats. This study investigated the impacts of micro- and nano-sized plastics on Bromus hordeaceus, a common grass species in European grasslands. The micro and nanoparticles were fossil-based polyethylene (PE) or plant-based polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), and these two plastics were used at two different concentrations. Here, we report data on plant development and plastic-plant interactions from two different experiments, (1) an in vitro experiment to test seed germination and establishment and (2) a soil experiment to test plant development and plastic-plant interactions specifically investigated as a form of perforation. Results from the in vitro experiment indicate that while seed germination success was unaffected by plastic type, the presence of all plastic particle types acted as a stimulant, increasing the total length of radicles and sprouts of germinated seeds. Conversely, results from the soil experiment showed that the growth of Bromus hordeaceus was negatively affected by the presence of microPBAT in the soil during the pot assay. Microscopic analysis confirmed that seed and plant structures interacted with all plastic particles via adsorption or perforation. This study demonstrates for the first time the ability of roots to penetrate plastics, especially microPBAT particles. Overall, our study concludes that both fossil-based and plant-based micro- and nano-plastics can influence plant growth, with effects varying based on plastic type, concentration, and plant growth phase. Further research is crucial to fully understand the intricate interactions between microplastics, soil properties, and plant development.
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Exposure of Bromus hordeaceus to fossil- and plant-based micro- and nanoplastics: Impacts and plant-plastic interactions vary depending on polymer type and growth phase
AI summary Read the abstract
Experiments with the grass Bromus hordeaceus showed that both fossil-based polyethylene and plant-based PBAT micro- and nanoplastics affected seed germination and plant development, with polymer type and growth phase determining the nature and magnitude of effects.
Exposure of Bromus Hordeaceus to Petroleum and Plant-Based Micro- and Nanoplastics: Impacts and Plant-Plastic Interactions Vary Depending on Polymer Type and Growth Phase
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Researchers exposed a common European grass species to petroleum-based polyethylene and plant-based PBAT micro- and nanoplastics, finding that while all plastic types stimulated early root growth in vitro, soil-grown plants showed growth suppression from microPBAT — and microscopy revealed for the first time that roots can physically penetrate and perforate plastic particles.
Exposure of Bromus hordeaceus to fossil- and plant-based micro- and nanoplastics: Impacts and plant-plastic interactions vary depending on polymer type and growth phase - Supplementary information
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This is a supplementary data file for a study on Bromus hordeaceus, a common European grassland grass, exposed to microplastics and nanoplastics made from fossil fuels or plant material. It provides detailed methods and measurements, including seed germination, root and shoot growth, plant dry weight, and nitrogen levels, supporting the main research article's findings.
Microplastics on the growth of plants and seed germination in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems
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This review examined the effects of microplastics on plant growth and seed germination in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, finding that microplastic presence can affect plant development through multiple mechanisms depending on polymer type, concentration, and the composition of the growing medium.
Effects of Microplastic Particles and Microplastic Leachate on the Germination and Growth of Lolium multiflorum
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Researchers tested whether polypropylene microplastic particles and the chemicals they leach affect Italian ryegrass germination and growth. Both physical microplastic particles and their leachate reduced germination rates and seedling growth, suggesting that both the particles themselves and their chemical additives can harm terrestrial plants.
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