We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Potential translocation process and effects of polystyrene microplastics on strawberry seedlings
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that tiny polystyrene microplastics (100 and 200 nanometers) can enter strawberry plant roots and travel upward through the plant's internal transport system. The smaller 100-nanometer particles traveled further into the plant than the larger ones, demonstrating that particle size determines how far microplastics spread in crops. This is concerning because it shows microplastics in soil can be taken up by food plants and potentially reach the parts that people eat.
A growing body of concerns focuses on microplastics as an emerging threat to terrestrial soil-plant ecosystems, but few previous studies have concentrated on asexual plants. To fill this knowledge gap, we carried out a biodistribution study of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) of different particle sizes in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch. cv. "Akihime") seedlings via the hydroponic cultivation method. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) results indicated that both 100 and 200 nm PS-MPs entered the roots and were further translocated to the vascular bundle through the apoplastic pathway. Both PS-MP sizes were detected in the vascular bundles of the petioles after 7 d of exposure, indicating a xylem-based upward translocation pathway. After 14 d, continuous upward translocation of 100 nm PS-MPs was observed above the petiole, while 200 nm PS-MPs could not be directly observed in the strawberry seedlings. This means that the uptake and translocation of PS-MPs depended on the size of PS-MPs and appropriate timing. The significant influence of strawberry seedling's antioxidant, osmoregulation, and photosynthetic systems（p < 0.05）was presented at 200 nm PS-MPs than 100 nm PS-MPs. Our findings provide scientific evidence and valuable data for the risk assessment of PS-MP exposure in asexual plant systems such as strawberry seedlings.
More Papers Like This
The distribution and impact of polystyrene nanoplastics on cucumber plants
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how polystyrene nanoplastics of four different sizes distribute within cucumber plants and affect root growth and fruit quality. They found that smaller particles accumulated more readily throughout the plant, moving from roots to leaves and fruit, and caused greater disruption to root physiology. The study suggests that nanoplastic contamination in agricultural soils could affect both crop development and food quality.
Microplastics enter strawberry fruit tissues directly through the epidermis
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers directly imaged polystyrene microplastic uptake into strawberry fruit tissue, showing that micron-sized particles enter primarily through stomata while nanoscale particles also use endocytosis, and that surface exposure to these particles reduced fruit weight, increased acidity, and altered antioxidant composition — suggesting atmospheric microplastics are an underappreciated route of contamination in edible crops.
Uptake and translocation of nano/microplastics by rice seedlings: Evidence from a hydroponic experiment
AI summary Read the abstract
In a hydroponic experiment, researchers showed that both nano-sized (80 nm) and micro-sized (1 micrometer) polystyrene particles were absorbed by rice plant roots and transported up into stems and leaves. The particles traveled through the plant's vascular system and accumulated in cell walls and between cells. This finding is concerning because it demonstrates that microplastics in soil and water can enter food crops like rice and potentially reach people through their diet.
Uptake and distribution of microplastics of different particle sizes in maize (Zea mays) seedling roots
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied how maize seedling roots take up polystyrene microplastic beads of different sizes and found that smaller particles were absorbed more readily than larger ones. Particles as small as 0.2 micrometers were detected in both roots and shoots, with the root tip being the primary uptake zone. The findings confirm that microplastics can enter food crops through their root systems, raising questions about food safety.
Size-Selective Uptake, Translocation, and Accumulation of Polyethylene Microplastics in Maize: Implications for Agricultural Sustainability
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers grew maize seedlings in water containing tiny plastic (polyethylene) particles of four sizes to see how they entered and moved through the plants. Small particles (0.1 and 1.0 micrometers) got into root tissue and traveled to leaves and stems, while larger particles stayed mostly on root surfaces, with the most buildup occurring in roots overall.
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.