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Differences in the uptake and translocation of differentially charged microplastics by the taproot and lateral root of mangroves
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Researchers investigated how mangrove roots take up and transport microplastic particles of different sizes and surface charges. They found that taproots primarily absorbed negatively charged particles while lateral roots only took in positively charged ones, and that particle size limited how far the plastics could travel through the plant. Notably, the study observed microplastics being released from leaf surfaces through salt glands and stomata, revealing a previously unknown pathway by which mangroves may return intercepted microplastics to the environment.
The interception of microplastics (MPs) by mangrove roots plays an indispensable role in reducing the environmental risks of MPs. However, there remains limited research on the fate of the intercepted MPs. Hereby, the uptake and subsequent translocation of 0.2 μm and 2 μm PS MPs with different coating charge by the typical salt-secreting mangrove plants (Aegiceras corniculatum) were investigated. Compared to amino-functionalized PS with positive charge (PS-NH), the visualized results indicated that the efficient uptake of carboxy-functionalized PS with negative charge (PS-COOH) was more dependent on taproots. But for the lateral roots, it only allowed the entry of PS-NH instead of PS-COOH. The specific uptake pathways of PS-NH on the lateral roots could attribute to the release of H and organic acids by root hairs, as well as the relative higher Zeta potential. After entering the Aegiceras corniculatum roots, the translocation of PS MPs was restricted by their particle sizes. Furthermore, the release of PS MPs from Aegiceras corniculatum leaf surfaces through the salt glands and stomata was observed. And the decline in the photochemical efficiency of leaves under PS MPs exposure also indirectly proved the foliar emission of PS MPs. Our study improved the understanding of the environmental behaviors and risks of the retained MPs in mangroves.
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Researchers found that nanoplastics landing on mangrove leaves behave very differently depending on the species: salt-secreting mangroves accumulate nanoplastics in their salt glands and transport them deep into leaf tissues, disrupting the carbon-fixing dark reactions of photosynthesis, while salt-excluding mangroves trap particles on the leaf surface instead, blocking light capture. This matters because salt-secreting mangroves act as biological concentrators of airborne nanoplastics, potentially undermining the carbon storage function of coastal ecosystems.
Secreted salt and hydrodynamic factors combine to affect dynamic fluctuations of microplastics on mangrove leaves
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Researchers tracked microplastic accumulation on mangrove leaves over time and found that submerged leaves showed much greater variation in contamination levels compared to non-submerged leaves. They identified salt secretion from the leaves and tidal water movement as key factors driving the dynamic fluctuations in microplastic interception. The study provides new insight into how mangrove ecosystems act as natural traps for coastal microplastic pollution.
Distinct microplastics abundance variation in root-associated sediments revealed the underestimation of mangrove microplastics pollution
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This study characterized how microplastic abundance varies across root hair, rhizosphere, and non-rhizosphere zones in mangrove sediments, finding that root structures significantly influence microplastic trapping and migration patterns within mangrove ecosystems.
Accumulation modes and effects of differentially charged polystyrene nano/microplastics in water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica F.)
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Researchers investigated how water spinach plants absorb nano and microplastics of different sizes and electrical charges. They found that smaller, positively charged particles were absorbed more readily by roots and could travel to the leaves, while larger particles tended to stay on root surfaces. This matters because leafy vegetables like water spinach could be delivering nanoplastics directly to people who eat them.
Distribution and retention of microplastics in plantation mangrove forest sediments
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Researchers investigated the spatial distribution and retention of microplastics in sediments of plantation mangrove forests, finding that mangrove plantations act as effective sinks for microplastics transported by ocean tides, with particle size and shape influencing where plastics accumulate within the forest structure.
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