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Biochar Reduces Nanoplastics Uptake by Lettuce and Alleviates Its Toxicity to the Plant
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Researchers tested whether biochar could reduce nanoplastic uptake by lettuce and found that iron-doped biochar was particularly effective, lowering nanoplastic concentrations in leaves by approximately 60%. Both regular and iron-doped biochar also helped alleviate nanoplastic-induced metabolic disturbances in the plants and partially restored soil enzyme activity.
The accumulation of micro- and nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) in croplands threatens food quality and human health. This study investigates the effectiveness of pristine biochar (BC) and iron-doped biochar (Fe-BC), produced from pine sawdust via one-step pyrolysis, in reducing NPs uptake by lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. adela). Fe-BC exhibited greater porosity, higher surface area, and a slightly positive surface charge compared to BC. Using Pd-doped NPs, we confirmed that NPs can penetrate roots and translocate to leaves, accumulating more in older tissues. Soil application of 3 wt % BC or Fe-BC significantly lowered leaf NPs concentrations, with Fe-BC showing a greater reduction, by approximately 60% (from 0.90 to 0.36 mg/kg). While both BC and Fe-BC demonstrated a capacity for alleviating NPs-induced metabolic disturbances and partially restoring soil enzyme activities, Fe-BC presents a more promising amendment for mitigating NPs contamination and protecting crop quality.
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Biochar-derived dissolved and particulate matter effects on the phytotoxicity of polyvinyl chloride nanoplastics
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Researchers investigated how dissolved and particulate matter released from biochar affects the toxicity of PVC nanoplastics to lettuce plants. They found that biochar-derived dissolved matter reduced nanoplastic toxicity by coating the plastic particles and limiting their uptake by roots, while particulate matter had a more complex effect. The study helps explain why biochar can protect plants from nanoplastic damage and provides insight into developing soil amendments for contaminated agricultural land.
Effects of biochar on the phytotoxicity of polyvinyl chloride microplastics
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Researchers tested whether biochar made from corncob could reduce the harmful effects of polyvinyl chloride microplastics on lettuce grown in hydroponic conditions. They found that biochar adsorbed the microplastics and reduced their attachment to plant roots, improving lettuce growth and quality. The study suggests biochar could serve as a practical tool for mitigating microplastic toxicity in agricultural settings.
Biochar mitigates microplastic- and nanoplastic-induced soil degradation and plant stress: a global meta-analysis.
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This analysis combined results from 59 studies on soil and plants exposed to microplastics or nanoplastics. Adding biochar to soil was linked to healthier plant growth, less plant damage, and lower microplastic buildup in plants, though the effects varied depending on conditions and were weaker in more realistic, complex settings than in controlled experiments.
Biochar counteracts the negative effects of microplastics on physiological and biochemical characteristics and leaf metabolism in Zea mays L
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Researchers studied whether biochar could counteract the harmful effects of microplastics on maize plant growth and soil health. They found that adding biochar to microplastic-contaminated soil restored antioxidant enzyme balance, improved beneficial metabolic pathways in leaves, and increased bacterial community diversity. The study suggests biochar may help plants resist microplastic-induced stress by boosting glucose metabolism in root systems.
Toxic effects and mechanisms of engineered nanoparticles and nanoplastics on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)
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Researchers compared the effects of engineered nanoparticles and polystyrene nanoplastics on lettuce and found that all types caused oxidative stress in roots at high concentrations. Each nanoparticle type triggered different defensive metabolic pathways in the plants, and nanoplastics specifically altered amino acid and vitamin metabolism. Since lettuce is widely consumed raw, these findings raise questions about how nanoplastic contamination in agricultural soil could affect the safety of leafy vegetables.
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