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Microplastic pollution in agriculture: How exposure pathway (Seed, Leaf, Root) dictates phytotoxicity in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)
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This study compared the phytotoxicity of polyethylene microplastics applied to lettuce via seed, leaf, and root exposure pathways, finding that root exposure caused the greatest growth inhibition and oxidative stress. The route of MP exposure significantly influenced the type and severity of toxic effects on crops.
The accumulation of microplastics (MPs) in arable soil poses a significant risk to food safety and crop growth. However, research has often focused on single exposure mechanisms, making it difficult to comprehend the actual environmental effects. This study investigated the effects of polyethylene (PE) microplastics on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. ‘Little Gem Green’) applied via three different pathways (seed, leaf, and root) at different concentrations (0, 50, 250, and 1000 µg/mL). The results demonstrated that the plant exposure technique significantly dictated the phytotoxic outcome. Direct root application, particularly at 1000 µg/mL, was the most detrimental, significantly reducing aerial biomass and height and disrupting the antioxidant defense system. In contrast, seed and leaf administration produced complex responses. Seed treatment (1000 µg/mL) resulted in the shortest plants but the largest leaf areas, indicating an adaptive growth behavior. A possible hormetic effect was observed with 250 µg/mL foliar application, which recorded the maximum plant height. Pathway-dependent differences in photosynthetic pigments, proline accumulation, and antioxidant enzyme activation (e.g., catalase, ascorbate peroxidase) confirmed that plant tolerance and response are highly dependent on the exposure conditions. This comparison of three exposure pathways highlights the variability of plant-MP interactions and stresses the importance of pathway-specific risk assessments for mitigating microplastic pollution in agricultural settings.
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Physiological responses of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) to microplastic pollution
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PVC microplastics of two different size ranges had contrasting effects on lettuce roots, with smaller particles stimulating root growth and larger particles having no effect, and smaller particles also reduced photosynthetic efficiency at moderate concentrations. The study suggests that microplastic size is a key variable determining whether effects on crops are stimulatory or inhibitory.
Uptake, Distribution, and Impact of Micro- and Nano-Plastics in Horticultural Systems Using Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) as a Model Crop
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Researchers studied how micro- and nanoplastics are taken up and distributed in lettuce grown in horticultural systems, finding that nanopolystyrene exposures significantly inhibited leaf and root development in a concentration-dependent manner. They optimized extraction methods for quantifying microplastics in soil and developed a synthesis procedure for nanoplastic test particles. The study demonstrates that plastic fragments from horticultural materials can accumulate in soil and affect crop growth, raising concerns about food safety.
Polyethylene microplastic modulates lettuce root exudates and induces oxidative damage under prolonged hydroponic exposure
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Researchers grew lettuce in water containing polyethylene microplastics for 28 days and found that the plastics changed the chemical signals the roots released and caused oxidative damage in the leaves. While the plants looked mostly normal on the outside, the microplastics altered the root chemistry in ways that could affect nutrient uptake and plant defense. This is relevant to human health because lettuce is widely consumed and may be grown in microplastic-contaminated water or soil.
The dosage- and size-dependent effects of micro- and nanoplastics in lettuce roots and leaves at the growth, photosynthetic, and metabolomics levels
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Researchers studied the effects of polyethylene micro- and nanoplastics on lettuce plants, varying both particle size and concentration. They found that particle size played a pivotal role in influencing plant growth, photosynthetic activity, and metabolic processes, with nanoplastics generally causing more pronounced effects than larger microplastics. The study suggests that the smallest plastic particles pose the greatest risk to crop health by disrupting plant physiology at multiple levels.
Metabolic response of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) to polystyrene nanoplastics and microplastics after foliar exposure
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Researchers exposed lettuce plants to polystyrene nanoplastics and microplastics through their leaves and found that the particles altered the plant's metabolism differently depending on particle size. This foliar exposure pathway means that microplastics and nanoplastics settling on leafy vegetables from the air can change the plant's internal chemistry. Since lettuce is widely consumed raw, these metabolic changes raise questions about how microplastic-contaminated produce might affect nutritional quality and human health.
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