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Effects of foliar microplastic exposure on cherry radish: Photosynthesis inhibition mechanisms and multi-omics functional network analysis
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Researchers studied how foliar exposure to microplastics affects cherry radish plants and found that polystyrene microplastics reduced the net photosynthetic rate by over 63 percent. The microplastics blocked stomata, reduced mineral uptake needed for chlorophyll production, and caused oxidative stress in leaves and roots. The study reveals that airborne microplastics landing on plant surfaces can significantly impair crop growth through multiple interconnected mechanisms.
The pervasive contamination of microplastics (MPs) represents a critical global environmental threat. However, their effect on the plant-soil-microbe system remains poorly understood. This study investigated the physiological and biochemical responses of cherry radish (Raphanus sativus L.) to foliar MPs exposure, elucidating tissue-specific metabolic mechanisms and rhizosphere microbial community shifts. Key findings demonstrate that foliar MPs exposure severely impaired photosynthesis, with polystyrene microplastics (PSMPs) reducing net photosynthetic rate by 63.1 %. Disruption of chlorophyll synthesis was evidenced by reduced Mg (7.2-18.4%) and Zn (13.5-29.3%) accumulation. Stomatal blockage and starch grain accumulation further compromised photosynthetic efficiency. Distinct oxidative stress responses between leaves and roots revealed differential metabolic adaptations. Leaves upregulated galactose metabolism while downregulating starch-sucrose metabolism and TCA cycle activity. Roots enhanced glyoxylate-dicarboxylate metabolism but suppressed butanoate metabolism. Under photosynthetic constraints, metabolomics confirmed redirected carbon allocation and energy conversion. Rhizosphere communities exhibited strengthened synergistic interactions, with bacterial alpha diversity increasing while fungal diversity decreased significantly. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) further uncovered complex feedback regulation within the plant-soil-microbe continuum. This study provides valuable insights for understanding the mechanism of "plant-soil-microbe" interactions under MPs stress.
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Foliar implications of polystyrene nanoplastics on leafy vegetables and its ecological consequences
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Scientists applied polystyrene nanoplastics to four common leafy vegetables and found that the tiny particles accumulated on leaf surfaces, particularly around the pores plants use to breathe. This accumulation reduced the plants' chlorophyll content and ability to photosynthesize, affecting their growth and nutritional quality. The findings raise concerns that airborne nanoplastic pollution could compromise the safety and nutritional value of the vegetables people eat.
Route-Specific Phytotoxicity: Foliar Polystyrene Nanoplastics Inhibit Rice Photosynthesis
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Researchers compared root versus foliar exposure routes for polystyrene nanoplastics in rice plants and found that foliar exposure caused far more sustained damage to photosynthesis. The nanoplastics accumulated in leaves and co-localized with chloroplasts, leading to dramatic reductions in photosynthetic pigments, ATP production, and carbon fixation. The study suggests that airborne nanoplastic deposition on crop leaves may represent an underappreciated route of agricultural harm.
Polystyrene microplastics disturb the redox homeostasis, carbohydrate metabolism and phytohormone regulatory network in barley
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Researchers exposed barley plants to polystyrene microplastics and found the particles accumulated in roots and stunted rootlet development by disrupting redox balance, carbohydrate metabolism enzymes, and phytohormone signaling pathways.
Micro and nanoplastics pollution: Sources, distribution, uptake in plants, toxicological effects, and innovative remediation strategies for environmental sustainability
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This review examines how microplastics and nanoplastics enter plants through roots, disrupt growth and photosynthesis, and cause oxidative stress that reduces crop yields. Because these plastic particles can move through plant tissues and into edible parts, they represent a potential pathway for microplastics to enter the human food supply.
Physiological response of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) leaves to polystyrene nanoplastics pollution
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Researchers exposed cucumber plants to polystyrene nanoplastics of four different sizes and found significant effects on photosynthesis, antioxidant systems, and sugar metabolism in the leaves. Smaller particles tended to reduce chlorophyll and photosynthetic activity, while larger particles triggered stronger oxidative stress responses. The study suggests that nanoplastic contamination in farmland soils could impair crop growth through multiple biochemical pathways.
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