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Impact of polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) on seed germination and seedling growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Summary
Researchers exposed wheat seeds and seedlings to polystyrene nanoplastics and found that while germination rates were unaffected, root growth increased significantly compared to controls. However, the nanoplastics were taken up by the roots and transported to the shoots, reducing micronutrient absorption and altering key metabolic pathways related to energy and amino acid production. The findings suggest that nanoplastics can fundamentally change how crop plants grow and process nutrients.
Microplastics and nanoplastics are emerging pollutants of global concern. However, the understanding of their ecological effects on terrestrial plants is still limited. We conducted the systematic research to reveal the impact of polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) (0.01-10 mg/L) on seed germination and seedling growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The results showed that PSNPs had no discernible effect on seed germination rate whereas significantly (p < 0.01) increased root elongation by 88.6 %-122.6 % when compared with the control. Similarly, remarkable increases in carbon, nitrogen contents, and plant biomass were also observed after exposure to PSNPs. Moreover, PSNPs could reduce the shoot to root biomass ratio (S:R ratio) of wheat seedlings. Furthermore, the imagings of a 3D laser confocal scanning microscopy (LCSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated that PSNPs were taken up and subsequently down-top transported to shoot. The absorption and accumulation of four micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn) in wheat were generally reduced in varying degrees. Notably, metabolomics analysis revealed that all PSNPs treatments altered the leaf metabolic profiles mainly by regulating energy metabolisms and amino acid metabolisms. These findings are expected to provide new insights into the effects of PSNPs on crop plants.