We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Potential impact of polyethylene microplastics on the growth of water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica F.): Endophyte and rhizosphere effects
Summary
Researchers studied how polyethylene microplastics affect the growth of water spinach, a widely consumed vegetable. The microplastics altered both the root-zone soil bacteria and the beneficial microbes living inside the plant, with effects varying by particle size. The study suggests that microplastic contamination in agricultural soil could indirectly affect crop health by disrupting the microbial communities plants depend on.
Microplastic contamination has received much attention, especially in agroecosystems. However, since edible crops with different genetic backgrounds may present different responses to microplastics, more research should be conducted and focused on more edible crops. In the current study, pot experiments were conducted to investigate the potential impact of polyethylene microplastic (PE) (particle sizes: 0.5 μm and 1.0 μm, addition levels: 0 (control), 0.5% and 1.0% (w/w)) addition on the physiological and biochemical variations of I. aquatica F.. The results indicated that PE addition caused an increase in the soil pH and NH-N and soil organic matter contents, which increased by 10.1%, 29.9% and 50.1% when PE addition at A10P0.5 level (10 g (PE) kg soil, particle size: 0.5 μm). While, PE exposure resulted in a decrease in soil available phosphorus and total phosphorus contents, which decreased by 53.9% and 10.5% when PE addition at A10P0.5 level. In addition, PE addition altered the soil enzyme activities. Two-way ANOVA indicated that particle size had a greater impact on the variations in soil properties and enzyme activities than the addition level. PE addition had a strong impact on the rhizosphere microbial and root endophyte community diversity and structure of I. aquatica F.. Two-way ANOVA results indicated that the particle size and addition level significantly altered the α-diversity indices of both rhizosphere microbial and root endophyte (P < 0.05, P < 0.01 or P < 0.001). Moreover, PE was adsorbed by I. aquatica F., which was clearly observed in the transverse roots and significantly increased the HO, ·O, malondialdehyde and ascorbic acid contents in both the roots and aerial parts of I. aquatica F., leading to a decrease in I. aquatica F. biomass. Overall, the current study enriches the understanding of the effect of microplastics on edible crops.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
[Effects of Low-density Polyethylene Microplastics on the Growth and Physiology Characteristics of Ipomoea aquatica Forsk].
Researchers grew water spinach in soil spiked with low-density polyethylene microplastics at varying concentrations and found that even moderate doses reduced germination rates, stunted growth, and disrupted photosynthesis. The study suggests that microplastic contamination in agricultural soil could threaten food crop yields and quality.
Water Spinach (Ipomoea aquatica F.) Effectively Absorbs and Accumulates Microplastics at the Micron Level—A Study of the Co-Exposure to Microplastics with Varying Particle Sizes
Researchers discovered that water spinach plants can absorb and accumulate micron-sized polystyrene microplastics in their leaves when the particles are taken up through the roots. The plastic particles traveled from roots through the plant's transport system to accumulate in leaf tissue, and high concentrations stunted plant growth. This finding is directly concerning for food safety because it shows that leafy vegetables people eat can contain microplastics absorbed from contaminated soil or water.
The Effects of Microplastics and Heavy Metals Individually and in Combination on the Growth of Water Spinach (Ipomoea aquatic) and Rhizosphere Microorganisms
Researchers tested how combinations of microplastics and heavy metals (cadmium and lead) affect the growth of water spinach and the microbial communities in its root zone. They found that all three stressors individually inhibited plant growth, and combining microplastics with heavy metals intensified the toxic effects while reducing the availability of essential soil nutrients. The study suggests that microplastic-heavy metal interactions in agricultural soils may pose compounding risks to both crop health and soil ecosystem function.
Effects of polyethylene microplastics on the microbial community structure of maize rhizosphere soil
Researchers investigated how polyethylene microplastics from agricultural films affect the microbial communities in crop root zones (rhizosphere), finding shifts in bacterial diversity and function. Disrupting soil microbiomes through microplastic contamination could have downstream effects on soil fertility and crop health.
Polystyrene nanoplastics' accumulation in roots induces adverse physiological and molecular effects in water spinach Ipomoea aquatica Forsk
Researchers exposed water spinach to polystyrene nanoplastics in a hydroponic experiment and tracked where the particles accumulated in the plant. They found that nanoplastics built up primarily in the roots, causing reduced growth, impaired photosynthesis, and disrupted antioxidant defense systems. The study raises concerns about nanoplastic uptake by edible aquatic vegetables and the potential implications for food safety.