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Effect of polyethylene particles on dibutyl phthalate toxicity in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.).
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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.
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Effects of polyethylene microplastic on the phytotoxicity of di-n-butyl phthalate in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. ramosa Hort)
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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.
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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
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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.
[Toxic effects of polystyrene and dibutyl phthalate on purple lettuce].
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Researchers tested how polystyrene microplastic particles and the plasticizer dibutyl phthalate, alone and in combination, affected purple lettuce growth and biochemical health. Both contaminants reduced biomass and disrupted plant physiology, with combined exposure showing compounded effects that raise concerns about food safety in agricultural soils contaminated with plastics and plastic additives.
Effect of polystyrene on di-butyl phthalate (DBP) bioavailability and DBP-induced phytotoxicity in lettuce
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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.
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