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The Influence of New and Artificial Aged Microplastic and Leachates on the Germination of Lepidium sativum L.
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Researchers compared the effects of new versus artificially aged microplastics and their leachates on the germination of garden cress seeds. The study found that aged microplastics, which simulate plastics that have been weathering in the environment, released different leachable substances than new plastics, and these differences affected seed germination outcomes, highlighting that the age and weathering state of microplastics influences their toxicity.
With the increase in environmental monitoring and assessing, we are gaining insight into the extent of microplastic pollution in our environment. The threat posed by microplastics to biota could come, e.g., from leached substances. As some plastic materials have been decaying in nature for extended periods already, the toxic effects of leaching compounds need to be investigated. It is furthermore essential to understand the adverse effects of new plastic and how these effects differ from the effects elicited by old plastic material. Therefore, in the present study, the effects of exposure to leachates from new and artificial aged polycarbonate as well as new and aged polycarbonate granules on various germination parameters of Lepidium sativum were studied. Germination, root, and shoot length, as well as the calculated germination rate index as a measure for germination speed, was negatively influenced in substrate-free and substrate containing exposures. From an ecological and agricultural point of view, this implies possible yield losses with less germinating seeds, slower plant germination speed, and smaller seedlings in general.
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Ageing affects microplastic toxicity over time: Effects of aged polycarbonate on germination, growth, and oxidative stress of Lepidium sativum
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Researchers compared the toxic effects of new versus aged polycarbonate microplastics on garden cress plants and found that newer plastic was significantly more harmful, inhibiting germination, reducing growth, and causing oxidative stress. As the plastic aged over time, its toxicity decreased, likely because harmful chemical additives like bisphenol-A leached out during the aging process. The study suggests that freshly produced microplastic pollution may pose greater immediate risks to plants than older, weathered particles.
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Researchers found that virgin, naturally aged, and artificially aged high-density polyethylene microplastics and their leachates negatively affected Lolium multiflorum germination and growth, with aged microplastics and their chemical leachates showing greater phytotoxicity than virgin particles.
Leached degradation products from beached microplastics: A potential threat to coastal dune plants
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Researchers found that leachates from beach-collected weathered microplastics were more phytotoxic than those from virgin plastics, inhibiting seed germination and root growth in coastal dune plants, suggesting naturally aged microplastics pose a greater threat to plant communities.
Effects of Microplastic Particles and Microplastic Leachate on the Germination and Growth of Lolium multiflorum
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Researchers tested whether polypropylene microplastic particles and the chemicals they leach affect Italian ryegrass germination and growth. Both physical microplastic particles and their leachate reduced germination rates and seedling growth, suggesting that both the particles themselves and their chemical additives can harm terrestrial plants.
Microplastics accumulate on pores in seed capsule and delay germination and root growth of the terrestrial vascular plant Lepidium sativum
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Researchers found that micro- and nanoplastic particles accumulate on the pores of cress seed capsules, physically blocking water uptake and delaying both germination and root growth. The smallest particles caused the most significant effects by clogging the seed pores most effectively. The study reveals a previously unknown mechanism by which plastic pollution could harm plant reproduction in contaminated soils.
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