We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Polystyrene nanoplastics distinctly impact cadmium uptake and toxicity in Arabidopsis thaliana
Summary
In a study using the model plant Arabidopsis, polystyrene nanoplastics increased the uptake and accumulation of the toxic heavy metal cadmium in plant roots. The combined stress of nanoplastics and cadmium caused worse oxidative damage and growth problems than either pollutant alone. This is concerning because it means microplastics in agricultural soil could help toxic metals get into crops more easily, potentially increasing human exposure through food.
The ubiquitous presence of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in soil has raised concerns regarding their potential effects on terrestrial plants. The coexistence and interactions between MNPs and heavy metals altering their phytotoxicity deserves further investigation. In this study, we explored the impacts of various concentrations of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) and cadmium (Cd) alone or in combination on the growth and development of Arabidopsis thaliana. Additionally, we examined the effects of combined stress on the uptake and translocation of Cd within Arabidopsis thaliana. Our findings revealed several key insights: PS-NPs exhibited the capability to internalize in the maturation zone of Arabidopsis roots; the presence of Cd changed the particle size and zeta potential of PS-NPs; the presence of PS-NPs heightened Cd accumulation in the underground parts of Arabidopsis seedlings, leading to a stronger oxidative stress response in these regions; the composite stress exerted a more pronounced effect on the growth and development of Arabidopsis compared to individual stresses. Interestingly, while higher PS-NPs concentrations hindered Cd migration from roots to leaves, they also acted as carriers for Cd uptake in Arabidopsis roots. These findings shed light on the combined impacts of MNPs and heavy metals on plant physiology, offering theoretical insights to guide risk assessment strategies for MNPs and heavy metals in terrestrial ecosystems.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Potential synergistic effect of polystyrene nanoplastics on cadmium toxicity to Sedum alfredii Hance
**TLDR:** Scientists found that tiny plastic particles (nanoplastics) make the toxic metal cadmium even more dangerous when both pollutants are present in soil together. Plants exposed to both nanoplastics and cadmium absorbed much more of the poisonous cadmium than plants exposed to cadmium alone. This matters because these pollutants are increasingly common in our environment, and if plants take up more toxins, they could end up in our food supply.
Synergistic Effects of Polystyrene Nanoplastics and Cadmium on the Metabolic Processes and Their Accumulation in Hydroponically Grown Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
When lettuce was grown with both nanoplastics and the toxic metal cadmium, the plants absorbed 61-67% more of both contaminants compared to exposure to either one alone. The combined pollution triggered a stronger stress response in the plants and changed how they grew. This is concerning for human health because it means nanoplastics in agricultural soil could significantly increase the amount of toxic heavy metals that end up in salad greens and other food crops.
Mechanistic Insights into the Effects of Aged Polystyrene Nanoplastics on the Toxicity of Cadmium to Triticum Aestivum
This study examined how aged polystyrene nanoplastics interact with the heavy metal cadmium to affect wheat plants. Researchers found that the aging process increases the nanoplastics' ability to absorb cadmium, which can alter how the metal is taken up by crops, raising questions about combined contaminant exposure through the food supply.
Antagonistic effect of polystyrene nanoplastics on cadmium toxicity to maize (Zea mays L.)
Researchers studied the combined effects of polystyrene nanoplastics and cadmium on maize plants and found that nanoplastics actually reduced cadmium toxicity. The study suggests that nanoplastics can adsorb cadmium and limit its uptake by plant roots, though both contaminants individually reduced plant growth and triggered oxidative stress responses.
Do polystyrene nanoplastics affect the toxicity of cadmium to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)?
Researchers investigated whether polystyrene nanoplastics affect the toxicity of cadmium to wheat plants. The study found that nanoplastics could alter how cadmium interacts with wheat, potentially modifying the uptake and toxic effects of the heavy metal, suggesting that the co-occurrence of nanoplastics and heavy metals in agricultural soils may create complex interactions affecting crop health.