We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Effects of polyethylene terephthalate microplastic on germination, biochemistry and phytotoxicity of Cicer arietinum L. and cytotoxicity study on Allium cepa L
Summary
Researchers studied the effects of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics on chickpea germination and onion root tip cells at concentrations ranging from 50 to 1,000 mg/L. The study found a sharp decrease in germination rates along with biochemical changes and cytotoxic effects at higher microplastic concentrations. Evidence indicates that PET microplastics in soil can negatively affect both plant development and cellular processes.
Accumulation of plastic materials in terrestrial systems threatens to contaminate food chains. The aim of the current study is to determine the impact of microplastics synthesized from PET plastics (control, 50, 250, 500, 750, 1000 mg/L) with respect to morphological, biochemical impact on Cicer arietinum using standardized 72 h assay and cytotoxicity study on Allium cepa root tips. The synthesized microplastics were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies. Germination studies clearly revealed that there is a sharp decrease in germination with increasing the concentration of microplastics. Both pigment and carbohydrate levels increased up to 500 mg/L concentration, although protein levels increased with increase of microplastic dose. Catalase activity also increased with increasing microplastic concentration. Finally, cytotoxicity studies revealed significant chromosomal aberration at higher dose of microplastics. Therefore, it may be concluded that the microplastics have significant biological and structural adverse effects on plant metabolism.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Risks of microplastics on germination and growth of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) depending on the type, concentration, and particle size
Researchers tested how different types, concentrations, and sizes of microplastics affect pepper seed germination and seedling growth. They found that most microplastic treatments inhibited germination and that polyethylene terephthalate (PET) particles were generally the most harmful to seedling development. The study also revealed that larger microplastic particles tended to cause more oxidative stress in the plants, suggesting particle size plays an important role in toxicity.
Assessment of physiological stress on plants grown in soil contaminated with microplastics
Researchers tested how three types of microplastics (PET, HDPE, and polyester) affect the growth and health of spring onion and okra plants. They found that all microplastic types reduced chlorophyll levels, increased oxidative stress, and stunted plant growth, with HDPE and polyester causing the most damage. The study highlights the potential ecological risks microplastics pose to vegetable crops grown in contaminated soil.
PET Microparticles Has Severe Toxic Effects to Arabidopsis thaliana in Hydroponic Cultivation
Researchers exposed Arabidopsis thaliana, peas, and maize to PET microparticles in hydroponic cultivation, finding that bacteria-sized PET particles caused severe toxic effects on plant growth, providing evidence that microplastic contamination poses a significant threat to agricultural crops even in the absence of soil or soil microbiota interactions.
Phytotoxic Effects of Polystyrene and Polymethyl Methacrylate Microplastics on Allium cepa Roots
Researchers exposed onion roots to polystyrene and polymethyl methacrylate microplastics at various concentrations and observed toxic effects on root growth and cellular health. Both types of microplastics caused oxidative stress, DNA damage, and disrupted cell division in the root tips. The study provides evidence that common plastic particles in soil can directly harm plant root development at the cellular level.
Sowing in Plastic Contaminated Soils: How (Micro)plastics Impact Seed Germination and Growth of White Mustard (Sinapis alba L.)
Laboratory and pot experiments with white mustard (Sinapis alba) exposed to low-density polyethylene microplastics found dose-dependent inhibition of seed germination, root development, and shoot growth, with higher MP concentrations causing greater plant stress.