We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Synergistic Remediation of Microplastics-Contaminated Soil by Immobilized Laccase and Pseudomonas putida: Insights into Microbial Activity, Soil Enzymatic, and Molecular Responses in Maize (Zea Mays L.)
AI summary Read the abstract
A greenhouse pot experiment showed that combining immobilized laccase enzyme with the bacterium Pseudomonas putida degraded up to 21.38% of soil microplastics over 60 days while improving microbial diversity and maize growth compared to untreated controls. This bioremediation approach offers a promising, ecologically compatible strategy for cleaning microplastic-contaminated agricultural soils and restoring their fertility and food safety.
The emergence of microplastics (MPs) as pollutants in agricultural soils is increasingly alarming, presenting significant toxic threats to soil ecosystems. This study aimed to evaluate the synergistic efficacy of immobilized laccase enzyme and the rhizobacterium Pseudomonas putida in degrading soil-borne microplastics and improving soil quality, microbial diversity, and physiological performance of maize (Zea mays L.). A pot experiment was conducted using agricultural soil artificially contaminated with microplastics. Treatments included: control (no MPs), MPs only, MPs with P. putida, MPs with immobilized laccase, and MPs treated with combined laccase and P. putida. The experiment was conducted for 60 days under controlled greenhouse conditions. After the experimental period, comprehensive analyses were carried out to assess soil quality, microbial diversity, and plant physiological parameters. Results from the present study showed that the combined application of immobilized laccase and P. putida significantly enhanced the degradation of soil-borne MPs, with degradation rates reaching up to 21.38 ± 1.07%, compared to negligible degradation in the microplastics-only treatment. Laccase activity increased to 4.07 ± 0.20 U g⁻¹ soil, and dehydrogenase activity reached 127.21 ± 6.36 µg triphenyl formazan g⁻¹ day⁻¹. Microbial biomass carbon was elevated to 248.85 ± 12.44 µg/g, while microbial diversity also increased (Shannon Index: 2.95 ± 0.15). Z. mays grown in the combined treatment exhibited improved shoot (12.13 ± 0.61 g) and root fresh weight (6.37 ± 0.32 g). Photosynthetic parameters also improved, including chlorophyll a content (1.52 ± 0.08 mg g⁻¹ FW) and net photosynthesis rate (14.64 ± 0.73 µmol carbon dioxide m⁻² s⁻¹). Additionally, organic acid profiling showed elevated levels of oxalic and citric acids in root exudates under the combined treatment. Research findings, therefore, suggested that the combined application of immobilized laccase and P. putida can enhance MPs degradation in soil and improve plant growth and soil health, as reflected by increased microbial activity and balanced organic acid exudation.
More Papers Like This
Microbiomes Against Microplastic Pollution in Agriculture: Biodegradation, Remediation, and Soil Health Implications
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed how soil microbiomes interact with microplastics in agricultural settings, finding that microbial communities offer biodegradation and remediation potential, though intensive plastic use in farming combined with fertilizer and wastewater inputs continuously introduces microplastics into soils with implications for soil health.
Biotechnology Remediation and Environmental Behavior of Microplastics in Soils: A Review
AI summary Read the abstract
This 20-year review synthesizes global research on microplastic pollution in agricultural soils, covering distribution patterns, migration mechanisms, and the potential of microbial and enzymatic biodegradation as remediation strategies. Given that soil microplastics can enter food chains and threaten human health, advancing biotechnology-based removal methods is essential for protecting both ecosystems and the food supply.
Microplastic accumulation in agricultural soils – Impacts on crop microbiomes and soil health
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers review how microplastics from mulch films, sewage sludge, and wastewater accumulate in agricultural soils, disrupting microbial communities, reducing enzyme activity essential for nutrient cycling, and accumulating in crop tissues, raising food safety concerns and highlighting the need for biodegradable alternatives and better wastewater treatment.
Polymer-Specific Effects of Microplastics on Sweet Potato Performance and Soil Enzyme Activities
AI summary Read the abstract
A controlled 50-day experiment found that polystyrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene microplastics have markedly different effects on sweet potato growth, nutrient uptake, soil enzyme activity, and metabolomic profiles, with polymer type determining whether outcomes are beneficial or harmful. These polymer-specific differences show that microplastic soil contamination cannot be treated as uniform, posing complex and unpredictable risks to staple food crop production.
Restoration of Micro-/Nano plastics: Contaminated Soil by Phytoremediation
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed phytoremediation as a technology for cleaning up soils contaminated with micro- and nanoplastics, examining its principles, applicability, and practical limitations. Understanding plant-based remediation strategies is essential for developing scalable, low-cost solutions to reverse the terrestrial plastic pollution that threatens soil health and food safety.
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.