We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
[Effects of Microplastics on the Growth, Physiology, and Biochemical Characteristics of Wheat (Triticum aestivum)].
AI summary Read the abstract
Wheat seedlings were grown in soils spiked with 100 nm and 5 μm polystyrene microplastics, with high concentrations (200 mg/L) significantly inhibiting root and stem elongation, reducing chlorophyll, and altering antioxidant enzyme activity, with smaller nanoplastics showing greater toxicity. The findings demonstrate that microplastic size influences phytotoxicity in a major agricultural crop.
The toxicological effects of microplastics in the soil environment have gradually attracted widespread attention, while less is known about the influence of microplastics on plants. The growth of wheat, photosynthetic pigment content, soluble protein content, and the antioxidant enzyme activities of leaves were investigated to explore the toxic effects of microplastics on wheat (Triticum aestivum). In this study, 100 nm and 5 μm polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) were used for soil culture treatment combined with hydroponic growth. The results showed that in hydroponic experiment, high concentrations (200 mg·L-1) of PS-MPs significantly inhibited the elongation of wheat roots and stems, and 5 μm PS-MPs showed a greater toxicity effect than 100 nm PS-MPs. Roots and stem length inhibition rates were 67.15% and 56.45%, respectively. In the soil culture tests, 10 mg·kg-1 PS-MPs had the most significant effect on wheat growth. Within the test content range (0-100 mg·kg-1), with an increase in PS-MPs exposure, the content of photosynthetic pigment and soluble protein in wheat leaves increased first and then decreased. This indicated that PS-MPs damaged the photosynthetic pathway of wheat leaves and inhibited protein synthesis. SOD activity decreased, and CAT decreased first and then increased, indicating that the possible mechanism of toxicity to wheat involves oxidative stress. The results provide a basis for the ecological risk assessment of microplastics in the soil environment.
More Papers Like This
Effects of Different Microplastics on Wheat’s (Triticum aestivum L.) Growth Characteristics and Rhizosphere Soil Environment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed wheat plants to multiple types of microplastics — including polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene — at different concentrations to compare their effects on plant growth and physiological parameters. Different polymer types caused varying degrees of growth inhibition and oxidative stress.
Phytotoxic Effects of Polystyrene Microplastics on Growth Morphology, Photosynthesis, Gaseous Exchange and Oxidative Stress of Wheat Vary with Concentration and Shape
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted pot experiments to assess how polystyrene microplastics in different shapes and concentrations affect wheat growth, photosynthesis, and oxidative stress. They found that powder-shaped microplastics caused the most severe reductions in plant height, biomass, and chlorophyll content, especially at higher concentrations. The study suggests that both the shape and concentration of microplastics in soil play important roles in determining their phytotoxic effects on crop plants.
Microplastics reduce the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) net photosynthetic rate through rhizospheric effects
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastics were shown to reduce the net photosynthesis and growth of wheat plants, with effects increasing at higher plastic concentrations. This demonstrates that microplastic contamination in agricultural soils poses a direct threat to crop productivity and food security.
Impact of polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) on seed germination and seedling growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Effects of Microplastics on Germination and Seedlings Growth of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested the effects of different microplastics on wheat seed germination and seedling growth and found that all treatments reduced plant development compared to controls. Polythene-containing microplastic treatments had the most negative impact, with significant reductions in both shoot and root length across wheat varieties.
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.