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The distribution and impact of polystyrene nanoplastics on cucumber plants
Summary
Researchers investigated how polystyrene nanoplastics of four different sizes distribute within cucumber plants and affect root growth and fruit quality. They found that smaller particles accumulated more readily throughout the plant, moving from roots to leaves and fruit, and caused greater disruption to root physiology. The study suggests that nanoplastic contamination in agricultural soils could affect both crop development and food quality.
Microplastic pollution in farmlands has become a source of major concern, but few previous studies have focused on the effect of microplastics on higher plants. In this study, the distribution of polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) of four different particle sizes (100, 300, 500, and 700 nm) was investigated in cucumber plants, and their influence on physiological indexes of the root system and fruit quality was determined. The results showed that PSNPs initially accumulated in the root system before being transported to the aboveground parts of the plant. Finally, they were distributed in the leaves, flowers, and fruits, through the stems. The 300-nm plastic microspheres significantly increased root activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) and proline content of the roots. The results demonstrated that the environmental pressures caused by PSNPs of different particle sizes were different. The amount of soluble protein in cucumber fruits was significantly increased, and the levels of Mg, Ca, and Fe were significantly decreased by PSNPs of different particle sizes. Our findings provide a scientific basis for risk assessment of PSNP exposure in the soil-plant systems.