We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Biochar-derived dissolved and particulate matter effects on the phytotoxicity of polyvinyl chloride nanoplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how dissolved and particulate matter released from biochar affects the toxicity of PVC nanoplastics to lettuce plants. They found that biochar-derived dissolved matter reduced nanoplastic toxicity by coating the plastic particles and limiting their uptake by roots, while particulate matter had a more complex effect. The study helps explain why biochar can protect plants from nanoplastic damage and provides insight into developing soil amendments for contaminated agricultural land.
Nanoplastics in environments are potentially detrimental to plant growth. Appropriate doses of biochar can alleviate the phytotoxicity of nanoplastics under hydroponic conditions. However, the specific mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, the effects of biochar-derived dissolved matter (BCDM) and biochar-derived particulate matter (BCPM) on the phytotoxicity of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) nanoplastics were investigated and the underlying influencing mechanisms were elucidated. The results showed that PVC nanoplastics can be adsorbed and taken up by lettuce roots, inducing oxidative damage to lettuce shoots and roots and reducing their fresh weight. BCDM can promote the aggregation and sedimentation of PVC nanoplastics, and BCPM can adsorb PVC nanoplastics and cause barrier effect, which will reduce the exposure dose of PVC nanoplastics. Furthermore, nutrients in BCDM can promote lettuce growth. As a result, the presence of both BCDM and BCPM significantly mitigated the oxidative stress of lettuce shoots and roots as demonstrated by the decrease in hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde levels (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, lettuce biomass was significantly increased after addition of BCDM and BCPM compared to the single PVC treatment group (p < 0.05). This study provides a theoretical basis for finding solutions to alleviate the phytotoxicity of nanoplastics.
More Papers Like This
Effects of biochar on the phytotoxicity of polyvinyl chloride microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested whether biochar made from corncob could reduce the harmful effects of polyvinyl chloride microplastics on lettuce grown in hydroponic conditions. They found that biochar adsorbed the microplastics and reduced their attachment to plant roots, improving lettuce growth and quality. The study suggests biochar could serve as a practical tool for mitigating microplastic toxicity in agricultural settings.
Biochar alleviated the toxic effects of PVC microplastic in a soil-plant system by upregulating soil enzyme activities and microbial abundance
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested whether adding biochar to soil could reduce the harmful effects of PVC microplastic contamination on plant growth and soil health. They found that biochar amendment increased plant biomass, restored soil enzyme activity, and boosted beneficial microbial populations that had been suppressed by the microplastics. The study suggests that biochar could serve as a practical tool for rehabilitating agricultural soils contaminated with plastic particles.
Biochar Reduces Nanoplastics Uptake by Lettuce and Alleviates Its Toxicity to the Plant
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested whether biochar could reduce nanoplastic uptake by lettuce and found that iron-doped biochar was particularly effective, lowering nanoplastic concentrations in leaves by approximately 60%. Both regular and iron-doped biochar also helped alleviate nanoplastic-induced metabolic disturbances in the plants and partially restored soil enzyme activity.
Biochar mitigates microplastic- and nanoplastic-induced soil degradation and plant stress: a global meta-analysis.
AI summary Read the abstract
This analysis combined results from 59 studies on soil and plants exposed to microplastics or nanoplastics. Adding biochar to soil was linked to healthier plant growth, less plant damage, and lower microplastic buildup in plants, though the effects varied depending on conditions and were weaker in more realistic, complex settings than in controlled experiments.
Effect of polyethylene particles on dibutyl phthalate toxicity in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.).
AI summary Read the abstract
Polyethylene microplastic fragments in soil reduced the uptake of the plasticizer chemical dibutyl phthalate (DBP) into lettuce roots but worsened its inhibitory effects on root growth. The complex interactions between microplastics and co-occurring chemical contaminants like phthalates can alter toxicity in unexpected ways, affecting both plant growth and the safety of food crops.
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.