We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Effect of polyethylene particles on dibutyl phthalate toxicity in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.).
Summary
Polyethylene microplastic fragments in soil reduced the uptake of the plasticizer chemical dibutyl phthalate (DBP) into lettuce roots but worsened its inhibitory effects on root growth. The complex interactions between microplastics and co-occurring chemical contaminants like phthalates can alter toxicity in unexpected ways, affecting both plant growth and the safety of food crops.
The effects of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) on the toxicity and edible quality (e.g., soluble proteins, soluble sugars, and vitamin C) of green and purple lettuce in the presence of polyethylene (PE) fragments were evaluated. The results revealed that PE treatment for 28 days decreased DBP and monobutyl phthalate content in lettuce roots and leaves, but enhanced the inhibitory effects of DBP on root growth and activity, reduced soluble protein and sugar content in lettuce leaves, and increased vitamin C content in lettuce leaves. Scanning and transmission electron microscopies revealed that PE only adhered to the root surface and did not enter the lettuce roots. Moreover, separation of the cell wall was aggravated in lettuce roots treated with DBP+PE, but not in lettuce treated with individual DBP or PE, and even led to the expansion of endoplasmic reticulum vesicles and cell rupture. Gaussian analysis indicated that PE interacted with DBP molecules through van der Waals interactions, which decreased DBP transport from the culture solution into the lettuce roots. In addition, purple lettuce was more sensitive to exogenous pollutants than green lettuce. This study provides new insights for food safety related to DBP fate and toxicity under PE stress.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Effects of polyethylene microplastic on the phytotoxicity of di-n-butyl phthalate in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. ramosa Hort)
Researchers investigated how polyethylene microplastics interact with the chemical pollutant di-n-butyl phthalate in lettuce and found that microplastics altered the plant's response to the toxin. The combination reduced photosynthesis, lowered chlorophyll content, and disrupted the plant's antioxidant defenses. The study highlights that microplastics in soil can change how plants respond to other contaminants, potentially compounding environmental harm.
Co-exposure of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) decreased the submicron plastic stress in soil–plant system
This study investigated how submicron plastic particles and the plasticizer DEHP interact in soil-lettuce systems, unexpectedly finding that DEHP reduced plastic uptake into lettuce roots and alleviated—rather than exacerbated—the phytotoxic effects of the plastics.
Microplastic-Mediated Heavy Metal Uptake in Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.): Implications for Food Safety and Agricultural Sustainability
Researchers grew lettuce in contaminated soil mixed with different types of microplastics, including fibers, glitter, and fragments from bags and bottles. They found that microplastics altered how heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and copper moved through the soil and into the plants, sometimes increasing uptake of toxic metals in roots while decreasing others in leaves. The results raise concerns about food safety in agricultural areas where both microplastic and heavy metal contamination overlap.
Effect of polystyrene on di-butyl phthalate (DBP) bioavailability and DBP-induced phytotoxicity in lettuce
Researchers investigated how polystyrene microplastics of different sizes affect the bioavailability of the plasticizer di-butyl phthalate and its toxicity to lettuce plants. They found that smaller nanoscale polystyrene particles increased DBP uptake by the plants, while larger particles reduced it by adsorbing the chemical. The study demonstrates that microplastics can act as carriers for harmful chemicals in agricultural soils, with particle size determining whether they amplify or reduce pollutant exposure to crops.
Co-exposure of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) decreased the submicron plastic stress in soil–plant system
Researchers exposed lettuce plants to submicron plastic particles combined with DEHP (a common plasticizer found in agricultural films), finding that DEHP surprisingly reduced how much plastic the plants absorbed and lowered oxidative stress markers. This unexpected result suggests that when plastics and their chemical additives are present together in soil — as they typically are — they can counteract each other's harmful effects rather than amplifying them.