Uptake, Growth, and Oxidative Stress Responses of Rhizophora Mucronata (Poir. In Lam.) Propagules Exposed to High-Density Polyethylene Microplastics

Uptake, growth, and oxidative stress responses of Rhizophora mucronata (Poir. in Lam.) propagules exposed to high-density polyethylene microplastics

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Researchers exposed mangrove propagules to environmentally relevant concentrations of high-density polyethylene microplastics for three months and found that the particles accumulated on root surfaces and translocated into the shoot system. The microplastics caused significant reductions in root length, plant height, and foliar area, along with increased oxidative stress indicators. The study suggests that microplastic pollution poses a real threat to mangrove growth and could ultimately affect the diversity and productivity of mangrove forests.

Uptake of Microplastics and Their Effects on Plants

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Researchers reviewed accumulating evidence on microplastic uptake by terrestrial plants, finding that particles smaller than 200 nm can enter root cells and translocate to shoots, potentially disrupting photosynthesis, nutrient uptake, and growth while opening a pathway for microplastics to enter the human food chain through crops.

Root Adsorption of Microplastic Particles Affects the Submerged Freshwater Macrophyte Egeria densa

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Exposure to polystyrene microspheres caused oxidative stress and disrupted antioxidant responses in the freshwater macrophyte Egeria densa at even the lowest tested concentration (0.05 mg/L), with microplastics adsorbing to roots rather than entering plant tissues. These findings indicate that aquatic plants serving as the base of freshwater food webs are vulnerable to microplastic contamination at environmentally relevant concentrations.

Adaptation of Lemna Minor To Stress Induced by Biodegradable and Conventional Microplastics

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A 12-week study found that both biodegradable P3HB and conventional PET microplastics induced significant root elongation in duckweed but had minimal effects on most other growth parameters, suggesting the plants can adapt over time. The results show that biodegradable plastics can still stress freshwater vegetation, challenging the assumption that they are environmentally benign alternatives to conventional microplastics.

Effects of Microplastic on the Growth and Nutrient Absorption of Microalgae