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Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Environmental Sources Food & Water Human Health Effects Nanoplastics Remediation Sign in to save

Synergistic Uptake of Nanoplastics and Sodium Chloride in Tall Fescue Roots Mediated by Cell Wall Architecture

Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 2026 Score: 50 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.
Junbao Pu, Junbao Pu, Fang Liu, Tuoping Feng, Tuoping Feng, Hang Zhai, Minjun Yu, Minjun Yu, Z. S. Liu, Z. S. Liu, Jie Ma, Fang Liu, Junbao Pu, Fang Liu, Libin Chen Wenjun Zhang, Libin Chen

Summary

Researchers found that combining nanoplastic exposure with salt stress in tall fescue grass produced synergistic harmful effects far exceeding those of either stressor alone, reducing shoot length by 93% and root length by 79%. Charge-mediated interactions between nanoplastics and sodium ions enhanced the uptake of both contaminants into plant tissues. Nanoplastics altered genes related to cell wall structure and membrane permeability, compromising the plant's ability to tolerate salt stress in saline-alkali soils.

Polymers

Strategic application of irrigation, mulching, and sludge enhances crop yields in saline-alkali soils; however, leading to micro/nanoplastics (M/NPs) accumulating in the soil, posing threats to plant growth and environmental safety. This study explored the combined effects of polystyrene (PS)-NPs and salt stress on tall fescue (<i>Festuca arundinacea</i>). Results indicated that compared to exposure to NPs or NaCl individually, the combined stress significantly enhanced the uptake and accumulation of NPs and NaCl in plant tissues, leading to reducing shoot length by 93.3%, root length by 79.1%, and chlorophyll content by 55.7%. These synergistic effects originated from charge-mediated interactions between NPs and Na<sup>+</sup> ions. Furthermore, NPs altered expression of genes related to cell wall structure, oxidative stress, and membrane permeability, thereby compromising cell wall integrity and reducing the salt tolerance of tall fescue. This research elucidated physiological and biochemical mechanisms through which NPs exacerbate salt stress, highlighting their environmental risks in saline-alkali soil.

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