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Investigating the ecotoxicological effects of dimethyl phthalate (DMP) and polyethylene (PE) on the floating aquatic plant, Lemna minor.
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Researchers evaluated the dose-response toxicity of dimethyl phthalate (DMP) and polyethylene microplastics individually and in combination on the floating freshwater plant Lemna minor. Both substances inhibited plant growth and caused oxidative stress, with co-exposure producing additive toxicity at environmentally relevant concentrations.
Abstract Freshwater ecosystems are increasingly threatened by microplastics and their associated leachates; as significant producers in the freshwater environment, aquatic plants are at the greatest risk of emerging contaminants, threatening biodiversity, supportive and regulative ecosystem services. Given this, the aim of the present study was to identify and evaluate the dose-response effects of both dimethyl phthalate and polyethylene (30µm fragments), on the frond number, surface area, dry weight and chlorophyll content of Lemna minor . The results of this study indicated that while polyethylene did not consistently produce significant dose-response trends across the measured parameters, it did exhibit significant effects with respect to chlorophyll content (LOEC = 10 mg/L). Exposure to DMP caused significant (p < 0.001) effects on Lemna minor frond number and dry weight (LOEC = 10 mg/L). The combined exposure of DMP and PE revealed evidence of an interaction between the two contaminants, with notable effects on frond number and dry weights. Significant effects were also observed on chlorophyll content (LOEC = 50 mg/L of DMP when combined with both 10 and 100 mg/L of PE), supporting the hypothesis that a combination of the two amplify phytotoxicity. The findings of this study highlight the potential for microplastics and their associated leachates to disrupt plant growth, underlining the need for improved ecotoxicity assessments. The outcomes of this work contribute to a growing wealth of literature which aim to inform ecological risk assessments, supplement freshwater management plans and improve the health of our freshwater ecosystems.
More Papers Like This
Investigating the ecotoxicological effects of dimethyl phthalate (DMP) and polyethylene (PE) on the floating aquatic plant, Lemna minor.
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested the effects of dimethyl phthalate and polyethylene microplastic fragments on the aquatic plant Lemna minor, finding that while polyethylene showed limited dose-response effects, it did significantly alter chlorophyll content, while the phthalate produced more consistent toxic responses across growth parameters.
Combined effects of polyethylene microplastics and nanoparticles on Lemna minor
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Researchers adsorbed ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles onto polyethylene microplastics extracted from cosmetics and tested their combined toxicity on the aquatic plant Lemna minor, finding that while specific growth rate and chlorophyll a content were unaffected, both nanoparticle-coated microplastic combinations inhibited root growth and reduced chlorophyll b content.
Effects of polyethylene microplastic on the phytotoxicity of di-n-butyl phthalate in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. ramosa Hort)
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Researchers investigated how polyethylene microplastics interact with the chemical pollutant di-n-butyl phthalate in lettuce and found that microplastics altered the plant's response to the toxin. The combination reduced photosynthesis, lowered chlorophyll content, and disrupted the plant's antioxidant defenses. The study highlights that microplastics in soil can change how plants respond to other contaminants, potentially compounding environmental harm.
Effect of polyethylene particles on dibutyl phthalate toxicity in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.).
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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.
Impact of polyethylene microbeads on the floating freshwater plant duckweed Lemna minor
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Researchers exposed duckweed — a small floating freshwater plant — to polyethylene microbeads from cosmetics and found that the beads adhered to the plant surface and reduced growth at higher concentrations. The study highlights how primary microplastics from consumer products can affect freshwater plants even at relatively low doses.
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