We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Uptake and effect of carboxyl-modified polystyrene microplastics on cotton plants
AI summary Read the abstract
This study found that polystyrene microplastics can enter cotton plant roots and accumulate over time, causing growth problems and triggering stress responses at the genetic level. While focused on plants rather than human health directly, the findings raise questions about whether microplastics absorbed by crops could eventually make their way into food and textile products.
Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as a significant global environmental concern, particularly within agricultural soil systems. The extensive use of plastic film mulching in cotton cultivation has led to the alarming presence of MP pollution in cotton fields. However, the uptake and effects of MPs on the growth of cotton plants are poorly understood. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of hydroponically cultured cotton seedlings at the phenotypic, transcriptional, and metabolic levels after exposure to carboxyl-modified polystyrene microplastics (PS-COOH). Treatment with three concentrations of PS-COOH (100, 300, and 500 mg/L) resulted in notable growth inhibition of treated plants and exhibited a dose-dependent effect. And, PS-COOH can invade cotton roots and be absorbed through the intercellular spaces via apoplastic uptake, with accumulation commensurate with treatment duration. Transcriptomic analysis showed significant up-regulation of genes associated with antioxidant activity in response to 300 mg/L PS-COOH treatment, suggesting the induction of oxidative stress. In addition, the PS-COOH treatment activated the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway, leading to lignin and flavonoid accumulation, and altered sucrose catabolism. These findings illustrate the absorption and effects of MPs on cotton seedlings and offer valuable insights into the potential toxicity of MPs to plants in soil mulched with plastic film.
More Papers Like This
[Effect of Organic Fertilizers on the Accumulation and Distribution of Polystyrene Nanoplastics in Cotton Plants].
AI summary Read the abstract
This pot experiment found that cotton plants absorb polystyrene nanoplastics through their roots and transport them into stems, but adding organic fertilizer reduced the amount transferred upward, with most nanoplastics retained in roots. While nanoplastics alone reduced plant growth indicators, organic fertilizer partially offset these negative effects. The results suggest that organic soil amendments could help reduce the uptake and spread of nanoplastics in food crops, which has implications for agricultural food safety.
Uptake of microplastics and impacts on plant traits of savoy cabbage
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that savoy cabbage plants can absorb polystyrene microplastic particles as small as 0.5 micrometers directly into their cells. Different types and sizes of plastic particles affected plant growth and leaf chemistry in distinct ways, including changes to certain amino acid and defense compound levels. This is concerning because it demonstrates a direct pathway for microplastics to enter the human diet through vegetables.
Uptake and translocation of nano/microplastics by rice seedlings: Evidence from a hydroponic experiment
AI summary Read the abstract
In a hydroponic experiment, researchers showed that both nano-sized (80 nm) and micro-sized (1 micrometer) polystyrene particles were absorbed by rice plant roots and transported up into stems and leaves. The particles traveled through the plant's vascular system and accumulated in cell walls and between cells. This finding is concerning because it demonstrates that microplastics in soil and water can enter food crops like rice and potentially reach people through their diet.
Cyto-Genotoxic Effect Causing Potential of Polystyrene Micro-Plastics in Terrestrial Plants.
AI summary Read the abstract
Exposure of plant root cells to polystyrene microplastics at multiple size ranges caused chromosome aberrations, reduced root length, and other cytological damage at higher concentrations. The findings indicate that microplastic particles can cause genotoxic effects in terrestrial plants, with implications for the health of food crops grown in plastic-contaminated soils.
Internalization, physiological responses and molecular mechanisms of lettuce to polystyrene microplastics of different sizes: Validation of simulated soilless culture
AI summary Read the abstract
This study found that lettuce plants absorb polystyrene microplastics through their roots and transport them to their leaves, with smaller particles (100 nanometers) moving more easily than larger ones. Both sizes reduced plant growth by roughly 38-48% and triggered stress responses including changes in gene expression. These findings raise food safety concerns since microplastics in soil can accumulate in leafy vegetables that people eat.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.