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Effects of polystyrene microplastic on uptake and toxicity of copper and cadmium in hydroponic wheat seedlings (Triticum aestivum L.)
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This study investigated how polystyrene microplastics interact with the heavy metals copper and cadmium in hydroponic wheat seedlings. Researchers found that while the microplastics alone did not significantly affect wheat growth, they adsorbed heavy metals and actually reduced the amount of copper and cadmium the plants absorbed. The findings suggest that in some cases microplastics may lessen heavy metal toxicity in plants by binding these metals and making them less available for uptake.
Microplastics are widespread in freshwater environments, their biological effects and combined effects of other pollutants have attracted extensive attention. In this study, we investigated the adsorption properties of heavy metals onto polystyrene (PS) microplastics as well as the bioavailability and toxicity of microplastics and heavy metals by hydroponic wheat seedlings experiment. Results showed that PS microplastics (0.5 µm, 100 mg/L) had no significant effect on wheat seedlings growth, photosynthesis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) content. However, PS microplastics could adsorb copper and cadmium, with a predominantly chemisorption. The accumulation of copper and cadmium in wheat seedlings reduced in the presence of PS microplastics, which meant the toxic effect by heavy metals might be mitigated. Compared with single heavy metals treatments, the combination of PS microplastics and heavy metals increased chlorophyll content, enhanced photosynthesis and reduced the accumulation of ROS. These findings suggest that PS microplastics (0.5 µm, 100 mg/L) have a mitigating effect on the bioavailability and toxicity of copper and cadmium.
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