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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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Physical and chemical effects of conventional microplastic glitter versus alternative glitter particles on a freshwater plant (Lemnaceae: Lemna minor)
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Researchers compared the physical and chemical effects of conventional plastic glitter versus alternative biodegradable glitter on the freshwater plant Lemna minor, finding that both types can alter plant physiology through their physical presence and chemical leachates.
The Response of Duckweed Lemna minor to Microplastics and Its Potential Use as a Bioindicator of Microplastic Pollution
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Researchers tested duckweed Lemna minor as a bioindicator for freshwater microplastic pollution by exposing it to polyethylene microbeads, tire wear particles, PET fibers, and natural particles. Polyethylene microbeads adhered to duckweed at 10 times the rate of other particles and reduced root length, suggesting duckweed could serve as a practical monitor for the dominant polyethylene microplastics in freshwater.
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