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Polystyrene micro and nanoplastics attenuated the bioavailability and toxic effects of Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) on soybean (Glycine max) sprouts
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Researchers studied how polystyrene micro and nanoplastics interact with the industrial pollutant PFOS in hydroponic soybean sprouts. They found that plastics actually adsorbed the PFOS and reduced its toxicity by making it less bioavailable, though nanoparticle uptake into plant tissue increased. The study offers new insights into how plastic particles can alter the behavior and risk of other environmental contaminants in agricultural systems.
Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) have attracted much attention since their wide distribution in the environment and organisms. MNPs in the environment adsorb other organic pollutants, such as Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and cause combined effects. However, the impact of MNPs and PFOS in agricultural hydroponic systems is unclear. This study investigated the combined effects of polystyrene (PS) MNPs and PFOS on soybean (Glycine max) sprouts, which are common hydroponic vegetable. Results demonstrated that the adsorption of PFOS on PS particles transformed free PFOS into adsorbed state and reduced its bioavailability and potential migration, thus attenuating acute toxic effects such as oxidative stress. TEM and Laser confocal microscope images showed that PS nanoparticles uptake in sprout tissue was enhanced by the adsorption of PFOS which is because of changes of the particle surface properties. Transcriptome analysis showed that PS and PFOS exposure promoted soybean sprouts to adapt to environmental stress and MARK pathway might play an important role in recognition of microplastics coated by PFOS and response to enhancing plant resistance. This study provided the first evaluation about the effect of adsorption between PS particles and PFOS on their phytotoxicity and bioavailability, in order to provide new ideas for risk assessment.
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Toxicological effects and molecular metabolic of polystyrene nanoplastics on soybean (Glycine max L.): Strengthening defense ability by enhancing secondary metabolisms
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Researchers exposed soybean seedlings to polystyrene nanoplastics and found that the tiny particles were absorbed by the roots and transported throughout the plant. The nanoplastics caused oxidative stress and slowed growth, though the plants activated defense mechanisms through secondary metabolism. This is concerning because crops that absorb nanoplastics could transfer them to humans through the food supply.
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This study examined how polystyrene microplastics of different sizes affect soybean plants' uptake of the pollutant phenanthrene. Researchers found that microplastics reduced soybean roots' ability to absorb phenanthrene, but micron-sized particles caused more oxidative damage to roots than nano-sized ones, which paradoxically reduced pollutant uptake further. The study highlights that combined exposure to microplastics and organic pollutants can harm crop plants, with the specific effects depending on plastic particle size.
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) enhanced polystyrene particles uptake by human colon adenocarcinoma Caco-2 cells
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Researchers found that the persistent pollutant PFOS significantly enhanced the uptake of polystyrene micro- and nanoparticles by human intestinal Caco-2 cells, suggesting that co-exposure to PFOS and microplastics may increase the risk of particle absorption in the human gut.
Bioavailable concentration of aged polystyrene microplastics governs the phytotoxicity and metabolic reprogramming in soybean
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Researchers prepared polystyrene microplastics with environmentally realistic aged characteristics via thermal annealing and tested their effects on soybean growth and metabolism. Aged microplastics caused greater phytotoxicity than pristine particles, altering multiple metabolic pathways in soybean, and the authors found that bioavailable particle concentration—rather than nominal soil concentration—was the key predictor of plant harm.
Polystyrene microplastics attenuated the impact of perfluorobutanoic acid on Chlorella sorokiniana: Hetero-aggregation, bioavailability, physiology, and transcriptomics
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Researchers studied how polystyrene microplastics interact with PFBA (a type of forever chemical) when both are present around green algae. Surprisingly, the microplastics actually reduced the toxic effects of PFBA on the algae by binding to the chemical and making it less available, showing that pollutant interactions in the environment can be more complex than expected.
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