We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Response of soybean (Glycine max L.) seedlings to polystyrene nanoplastics: Physiological, biochemical, and molecular perspectives
Summary
Researchers examined the effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on soybean seedlings in a hydroponic experiment and confirmed that the nanoparticles were taken up by plant roots. The study found that nanoplastic exposure negatively affected growth, increased mineral content in roots and leaves, caused oxidative stress, and altered gene expression related to stress response and hormone signaling pathways.
Micro and nanoplastics are new generation contaminants of global concern. It is important to evaluate the effects on edible products due to the presence of micro- and nano-sized plastics in the treated wastewater. A hydroponic experiment was carried out to explore the effect of polsytrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs; 20 nm) at different concentrations (0, 12.5, 25, and 50 mg L) on Glycine max L. (soybean) seedlings for 7-days. In the current study, firstly the uptake of PS-NPs by Glycine max L. (soybean) roots were confirmed by laser confocal scanning microscope. Exposure to PS-NPs, negatively affected growth parameters and increased Fe, Zn and Mn contents in roots and leaves of soybean seedlings. PS-NPs treatments caused oxidative stress in soybean seedlings. The hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde contents, showed similar increase pattern in seedlings exposed to PS-NPs. Response to PS-NPs, the level of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and guaiacol peroxidase) and proline content were generally enhanced in roots and leaves of soybean. The expression level of stress-related genes examined in the study included CSD5, FSD3, APX1, and POD up-regulated in PS-NPs treated-soybean seedlings in a tissue specific manner. The results of the present study showed the adverse effects of PS-NPs on soybean seedlings, which may have important implications for the risk assessment of NPs on crop production and environmental safety.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Toxicity effects of nanoplastics on soybean (Glycine max L.): Mechanisms and transcriptomic analysis
Researchers exposed soybean plants to polystyrene nanoplastics and observed inhibited stem and root growth, increased oxidative stress, and disrupted photosynthesis. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that nanoplastics altered the expression of genes involved in plant stress responses, hormone signaling, and metabolic pathways. The study suggests that nanoplastic contamination in agricultural soils could negatively affect crop growth and yield at the molecular level.
Toxicological effects and molecular metabolic of polystyrene nanoplastics on soybean (Glycine max L.): Strengthening defense ability by enhancing secondary metabolisms
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.
Physiobiochemical and transcriptional responses of tobacco plants (Nicotiana tabacum L.) to different doses of polystyrene nanoplastics
Researchers examined how different concentrations of polystyrene nanoplastics affect tobacco plant growth at both the physiological and molecular levels. They found that higher doses caused oxidative stress, reduced photosynthesis, and triggered significant changes in gene expression related to stress responses. The study reveals that nanoplastic toxicity in plants is dose-dependent and involves complex molecular mechanisms beyond simple physical damage.
Integrated physiological, metabolomic, and transcriptomic responses of maize (Zea mays) and soybean (Glycine max) to nanoplastic-induced stress
Researchers exposed maize and soybean crops to polyethylene and polypropylene nanoplastics in soil and found that high concentrations suppressed plant growth and caused oxidative stress in both species. The nanoplastics accumulated in plant roots and disrupted normal gene activity and metabolism, with soybeans being more sensitive than maize. These findings raise concerns about food crop quality and safety as nanoplastic contamination of agricultural soil increases.
Molecular mechanisms of toxicity and detoxification in rice (Oryza sativa L.) exposed to polystyrene nanoplastics
Researchers studied how polystyrene nanoplastics affect rice seedlings at the molecular level. They found that nanoplastic exposure significantly reduced root and shoot growth by over 50%, while triggering oxidative stress and activating genes related to both toxicity and defense responses. The study provides new insights into how crop plants respond to nanoplastic contamination at the genetic and physiological level.