We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
[Effects of Polystyrene Microplastics on Growth, Physiology, Biochemistry, and Canopy Temperature Characteristics of Chinese Cabbage Pakchoi (Brassica chinensis L.)].
AI summary Read the abstract
Hydroponic experiments showed that polystyrene microplastics at 100 nm and 1,000 nm sizes significantly inhibited the growth, photosynthesis, and nutrient quality of Chinese cabbage while increasing oxidative stress markers and elevating leaf temperature. These findings demonstrate that microplastic contamination poses a direct threat to crop production and food quality, with potential implications for human dietary exposure through contaminated vegetables.
The aim of this study was to clarify the response characteristics of Chinese cabbage pakchoi (Brassica chinensis L.) under two particle size (100 nm and 1000 nm) polystyrene microplastic (PS-MPs) stress conditions. This study can provide a theoretical basis and experimental reference for the interpretation of the physiological and ecological mechanism of microplastic pollution and the bioremediation of microplastic-contaminated soil. Hydroponic experiments were carried out to study the effects of two particle sizes (100 nm and 1000 nm) of PS-MPs on growth, photosynthetic physiology, antioxidant enzyme activities, nutritional quality, anatomical structure, and canopy temperature in Chinese cabbage pakchoi. The results showed that PS-MPs stress significantly inhibited the growth and development of Chinese cabbage pakchoi. When PS-MPs stress was increased, the phenotypic indicators were significantly reduced. Meanwhile, PS-MPs stress significantly enhanced the oxidative stress response of Chinese cabbage pakchoi, such as the activities of catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in leaves. Such a change tended to decrease the thickness of fenestrated and leaf and spongy tissues. Moreover, PS-MPs stress significantly increased the canopy population temperature of the Chinese cabbage pakchoi leaves. Microplastic stress had obvious inhibitory effects and toxic damage on the growth, development, and physical and chemical properties of Chinese cabbage pakchoi.
More Papers Like This
[Effects of Polyethylene Microplastics on the Growth and Quality of Brassica campestris L. in a Three-season Consecutive Cultivation].
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how polystyrene microplastics of four particle size fractions (under 25, 25-48, 48-150, and 150-850 micrometers) affect the growth, development, and nutrient quality of Chinese cabbage (Brassica campestris L.) across three consecutive cultivation seasons in pot experiments, finding significant size-dependent inhibitory effects on plant growth and soil nutrient supply.
Transport Dynamicsand Physiological Responses ofPolystyrene Nanoplastics in Pakchoi: Implications for Food Safetyand Environmental Health
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tracked the transport and physiological responses of polystyrene nanoplastics in pakchoi (bok choy) plants, finding that nanoplastics were absorbed through roots and translocated to shoots where they disrupted chlorophyll production and reduced plant growth.
Foliar implications of polystyrene nanoplastics on leafy vegetables and its ecological consequences
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists applied polystyrene nanoplastics to four common leafy vegetables and found that the tiny particles accumulated on leaf surfaces, particularly around the pores plants use to breathe. This accumulation reduced the plants' chlorophyll content and ability to photosynthesize, affecting their growth and nutritional quality. The findings raise concerns that airborne nanoplastic pollution could compromise the safety and nutritional value of the vegetables people eat.
Transport Dynamics and Physiological Responses of Polystyrene Nanoplastics in Pakchoi: Implications for Food Safety and Environmental Health
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tracked fluorescently labeled nanoplastics as they traveled through pakchoi (a leafy green vegetable), entering through the roots, moving up through the plant's water-transport system, and accumulating in the leaves. The nanoplastics caused oxidative damage and disrupted plant hormones, demonstrating a clear pathway by which plastic pollution in soil could enter the human food supply through everyday vegetables.
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.