We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Mitigating potential of polystyrene microplastics on bioavailability, uptake, and toxicity of copper in maize (Zea mays L.)
Summary
This study found that polystyrene microplastics in soil actually reduced copper toxicity in maize plants by binding to the copper and making it less available for plant uptake. While this might seem beneficial, it means microplastics are changing how nutrients and metals move through agricultural soil in unpredictable ways. The findings highlight that microplastic contamination in farmland can alter the chemistry of soil in complex ways that affect crop nutrition and food safety.
The coexistence of polystyrene microplastics (PSMPs) and copper (Cu) has become a pressing issue for croplands. However, limited literature is available regarding the interaction of PSMPs with essential micronutrients in Cu-contaminated soils. Therefore, the present study aimed to analyze the immobilization potential of PSMPs for micronutrient bioavailability in soil and Cu toxicity in maize (Zea mays L.). A pot experiment was conducted with maize variety "Islamabad gold" exposed to varying Cu concentrations (0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) and PSMPs (150-250 μm size, 0, 1, and 3% w/w) via soil spiking for 60 days. The concentrations of essential micronutrients (Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe) in soil and plant tissues were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Moreover, malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant activities (superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, and peroxidase) were recorded. The concentration of Cu showed significant reduction in post-harvesting soil by 21, 24.8, 27.6, 29.2, and 30.2% from Cu0 to Cu400 mg/kg respectively from pre-sowing soil. On the other hand, the addition of 1%PSMPs and 3%PSMPs declined Cu by 16, 21.6, 24.4, 25.9, 27.8, and 12.6, 16.5, 19.9, 23.2, 25% from Cu0 to Cu400 mg/kg respectively. Maize showed significant improvement in growth under combined exposure of Cu and 3% PSMPs compared to individual exposure. The MDA level was decreased under the combined presence of Cu and PSMPs compared to individual Cu exposure. The percentage difference with 1%PSMPs was 98.1, 95.0, 92.0, 90.0, and 89.6%, while with 3%PSMPs was 93.2, 93.2, 87.7, 81.4, and 79.2% from Cu0 to Cu400 mg/kg respectively. Moreover, the impact of PSMPs was more prominent at a 3% dose compared to a 1% dose. The findings provided significant knowledge about the potential of PSMPs to mitigate Cu toxicity in maize. Future research should incorporate a variety of particle size distributions at natural conditions for variety-specific differences.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Understanding the Role of Low-Dose Polystyrene Microplastic in Copper Toxicity to Rice Seed (Oryza sativa L.)
This study explored how polystyrene microplastics interact with copper toxicity in rice seeds. Researchers found that microplastics actually reduced copper's harmful effects by physically accumulating on seed coats and blocking copper absorption, lowering the amount of copper taken up by seedlings by about 34%. The findings highlight how microplastics can alter the way other environmental contaminants affect plants.
Effects of polystyrene microplastic on uptake and toxicity of copper and cadmium in hydroponic wheat seedlings (Triticum aestivum L.)
This study investigated how polystyrene microplastics interact with the heavy metals copper and cadmium in hydroponic wheat seedlings. Researchers found that while the microplastics alone did not significantly affect wheat growth, they adsorbed heavy metals and actually reduced the amount of copper and cadmium the plants absorbed. The findings suggest that in some cases microplastics may lessen heavy metal toxicity in plants by binding these metals and making them less available for uptake.
Impact of polystyrene microplastics on cadmium uptake in corn (Zea mays L.) in a cadmium‐contaminated calcareous soil
This study found that polystyrene microplastics in soil increased the uptake of the toxic heavy metal cadmium in corn plants. The research showed that microplastic contamination in agricultural soil can make crops absorb more harmful substances. This is a direct concern for food safety, as microplastics in farmland could increase our exposure to heavy metals through the food we eat.
How do polystyrene microplastics affect the adsorption of copper in soil?
Researchers investigated how polystyrene microplastics affect the behavior of copper in soil, finding that the plastics reduced copper adsorption by 3 to 16 percent while increasing its release. The microplastics blocked active binding sites on soil particles and lacked the functional groups needed to hold copper in place. The study suggests that microplastics in contaminated soils could make heavy metals more mobile and potentially more harmful.
The Effects of Polystyrene Microplastics and Copper Ion Co-Contamination on the Growth of Rice Seedlings
Researchers studied how polystyrene microplastics and copper ions interact when both are present in the water supply of rice seedlings. They found that microplastics actually reduced copper toxicity by absorbing the metal ions, but both pollutants weakened the plant's antioxidant defenses. The study suggests that microplastics and heavy metals interact in complex ways in agricultural systems, with implications for crop health and food safety.