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Combined Effects of Polyethylene Microplastics and Biochar on Chlorophyll Content in Wheat (Triticum aestivum)
Summary
Researchers grew wheat seedlings over 21 days in soils containing polyethylene microplastics and wood biochar, individually and in combination, and measured chlorophyll content as an indicator of plant health. Biochar partially mitigated microplastic-induced reductions in chlorophyll, suggesting that carbon amendment could serve as a low-cost strategy to protect crops in microplastic-contaminated soils.
Microplastic contamination in agricultural soils is an emerging concern for crop health and productivity. This study investigated the short-term (21-day) effects of polyethylene (PE) microplastics and wood biochar, both individually and in combination, on the chlorophyll content of wheat (Triticum aestivum) seedlings grown under semi-natural outdoor conditions. Eight treatments were established: control (S), three PE concentrations (S+PE 0.5%, 1%, and 2%), biochar alone (S+B), and three combined PE + biochar treatments (S+B+PE 0.5%, 1%, and 2%). Chlorophyll content was determined spectrophotometrically from the third fully expanded leaf. PE microplastic exposure led to slight, non-significant reductions in chlorophyll, indicating minor physiological stress, whereas biochar significantly enhanced pigment levels. Combined PE + biochar treatments restored chlorophyll content close to control values, demonstrating biochar’s capacity to mitigate microplastic-induced stress. These findings highlight biochar’s potential as a practical soil amendment for sustaining early plant physiological stability in microplastic-contaminated soils.