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Impact of various microplastics on the morphological characteristics and nutrition of the young generation of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.)
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Researchers examined the effects of various microplastic types on plant morphological characteristics and nutrient uptake, finding that polymer type and concentration differentially impair root growth, leaf development, and mineral absorption.
Microplastics have the capacity to accumulate in soil due to their high resistance to degradation, consequently altering soil properties and influencing plant growth. This study focused on assessing the impact of various types and doses of microplastics on beech seedling growth. In our experiment, we used polypropylene and styrene granules with diameter of 4.0 mm in quantities of 2.5% and 7%. The hypothesis was that microplastics significantly affect seedlings' nutritional status and growth characteristics. The research analysed seedlings' nutrition, root morphological features, above-ground growth, and enzymatic activity in the substrate. Results confirmed the importance of microplastics in shaping the nutritional status of young beech trees. Microplastic type significantly impacted N/P and Ca/Mg stoichiometry, while microplastic quantity influenced Ca/Al and CaKMg/Al stoichiometry. Notably, only in the case of root diameter were significantly thicker roots noted in the control variant, whereas microplastics played a role in shaping the leaves' characteristics of the species studied. The leaf area was significantly larger in the control variant compared to the variant with polypropylene in the amount of 2.5% and styrene in the amount of 7%. Additionally, the study indicates a significant impact of microplastics on enzyme activity. In the case of CB and SP, the activity was twice as high in the control variant compared to the variants with microplastics. In the case of BG, the activity in the control variant was higher in relation to the variants used in the experiment. Research on the impact of microplastics on the growth of beech seedlings is crucial for enhancing our understanding of the effects of environmental pollution on forest ecosystems. Such studies are integral in shaping forestry management practices and fostering a broader public understanding of the ecological implications of plastic pollution.
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Researchers reviewed how micro- and nanoplastics affect plant physiology and function — including germination, root growth, photosynthesis, and nutrient uptake — across a range of crop and wild plant species. Plant uptake of plastic particles is a key mechanism by which microplastic contamination moves from soil into the human food supply, making these effects central to understanding dietary exposure risks.
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Pot experiments with tree seedlings showed that high concentrations of polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics in soil suppressed plant growth by reducing chlorophyll levels, weakening antioxidant defenses, and lowering key nutrients in leaves. Lower concentrations of polyethylene actually had some positive effects, suggesting the impacts depend on dose and plastic type. These findings are relevant to understanding how microplastic-contaminated soils could affect forestry and reforestation efforts.
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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.
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This review examines how microplastics act as environmental stressors in plants, disrupting biochemical and metabolic processes including photosynthesis, antioxidant defenses, and nutrient uptake, with effects varying by polymer type, particle size, and concentration.
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