We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Effect of polyethylene, polyamide, and polylactic acid microplastics on Cr accumulation and toxicity to cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) in hydroponics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested how three types of microplastics affect chromium (a toxic heavy metal) uptake in cucumber plants grown in water. Polyethylene microplastics increased chromium absorption in roots by up to 40%, while polyamide microplastics actually reduced chromium uptake and helped the plants grow better. This matters because microplastics in farm soil could change how much toxic metals end up in the food we eat, depending on the type of plastic involved.
Microplastics (MPs) in farmland soil may affect the environmental fate and toxicity of heavy metals; however, how non-biodegradable and biodegradable MPs change the accumulation and phytotoxicity of Cr(VI) to the plants is still unknown. In this study, we explored the impacts of Cr(VI) concentrations (0, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 μmol/L), MP types (polyethylene (PE), polyamide (PA), and polylactic acid (PLA)), sizes (13, 48, and 500 µm), and concentrations (40, 200, and 1000 mg/L) on the Cr accumulation and toxicity to cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) under hydroponic conditions for 14 days. The results show that the presence of PE-MPs promoted the Cr accumulation in root by 8-39.8%. However, PA-MPs inhibited the Cr accumulation in the whole plant under less than 100 μmol/L Cr(VI). Notably, 1000 mg/L PA-MPs significantly reduced Cr accumulation in root and stem by 44.70% and 48.20%, respectively. Moreover, PE-MPs and PLA-MPs reduced the chlorophyll content and slowed down the growth of seedlings, while PA-MPs were beneficial to the growth of cucumber under 50-500 μmol/L Cr(VI) treatments, increasing the biomass by 20.99-189.99%. Furthermore, PE-MPs enhanced the content of MDA, especially under 500 μmol/L Cr(VI) concentration by 27.39%; however, the addition of PA-MPs and PLA-MPs slightly enhanced the enzyme activities including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT). Significantly, 1000 mg/L PA-MPs promoted biomass and reduced MDA content compared the control due to their high Cr(VI) adsorption efficiency. Thus, MP type, especially PE-MPs, mainly determined the Cr accumulation and phytotoxicity, which was attributed to the various adsorption capacities of MPs to Cr(VI).
More Papers Like This
Microplastics alter Cr accumulation and fruit quality in Cr(VI) contaminated soil-cucumber system during the lifecycle: Insight from rhizosphere bacteria and root metabolism
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied how three types of microplastics affect chromium accumulation and fruit quality in cucumbers grown in contaminated soil across a full growing cycle. They found that polyethylene microplastics increased chromium uptake in plant tissues, while polyamide and polylactic acid microplastics decreased it, with each type altering root bacteria and plant metabolism differently. The study reveals that the type of microplastic present in agricultural soil can significantly influence how crops absorb heavy metal contaminants.
Influence of polyvinyl chloride microplastic on chromium uptake and toxicity in sweet potato
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied how polyvinyl chloride microplastics affect the uptake and toxicity of hexavalent chromium in sweet potato plants grown in hydroponic conditions. They found that while the combination of microplastics and chromium impacted plant growth, the microplastics actually reduced chromium accumulation in the plants by adsorbing the metal. The study suggests microplastics can alter how heavy metals interact with food crops, with complex implications for agricultural safety.
Toxicity and fate of cadmium in hydroponically cultivated lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) influenced by microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that PVC microplastics changed how lettuce plants absorb the toxic heavy metal cadmium when both were present in the growing water. The microplastics initially absorbed cadmium from the water but then altered the plant's uptake patterns, affecting where the metal accumulated in roots versus leaves. This matters because microplastics in agricultural water could change how toxic metals end up in the edible parts of vegetables people eat.
[Effects of Three Different Types of Microplastics on Cucumber Growth and Nitrogen Utilization].
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted a greenhouse pot trial examining the effects of three different microplastic types on cucumber growth and nitrogen utilization, finding that MP presence in soil disrupts normal nitrogen uptake and plant development, with effects varying by polymer type.
Plant Cadmium Toxicity and Biomarkers Are Differentially Modulated by Degradable and Nondegradable Microplastics in Soil
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compared how degradable (polylactic acid) and nondegradable (polypropylene) microplastics affect cadmium toxicity in plants grown in contaminated soil. They found that polypropylene caused greater root growth inhibition, while polylactic acid led to higher levels of cellular stress markers at certain concentrations. The study reveals that both types of microplastics can alter soil chemistry and increase the uptake of heavy metals by crops, but through different mechanisms.
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.