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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Microplastics aggravate zinc deficiency-induced inhibition of physiological-biochemical characteristics in apple rootstock Malus hupehensis (Pamp.) Rehd seedlings
ClearIntegrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses reveal the effects of nanoplastics on root development, oxidative stress, and metabolic pathways in different apple rootstock varieties
Nanoplastics from degrading agricultural plastic films accumulate in orchard soils and are now being detected in apple tree roots — and this study shows that at high concentrations, polystyrene nanoplastics inhibit root development and impair antioxidant defenses in apple seedlings. Molecular analysis revealed that nanoplastics disrupt the plant's balance of growth hormones (cytokinins), accelerating the breakdown of active hormones and leaving the plant less able to cope with oxidative stress. The findings are concerning for apple production globally, where plastic mulch films are widely used, and suggest that some rootstock varieties are significantly more vulnerable than others.
Zinc oxide nanoparticles and polyethylene microplastics affect the growth, physiological and biochemical attributes, and Zn accumulation of rice seedlings
Researchers found that both zinc oxide nanoparticles and polyethylene microplastics disrupted growth, physiology, and zinc uptake in two rice cultivars, with nanoparticles having a stronger effect than microplastics, and responses varying by cultivar and dose.
Uptake and physiological impacts of nanoplastics in trees with divergent water use strategies
Researchers studied how nanoplastics are taken up by tree roots and whether this uptake affects tree health and function. They found that trees did absorb nanoplastics through their root systems, and the particles caused oxidative stress and reduced photosynthetic capacity. The study suggests that plastic pollution in soil could impair the functioning of trees, which play a critical role in carbon sequestration and ecosystem health.
The Effect of Microplastics-Plants on the Bioavailability of Copper and Zinc in the Soil of a Sewage Irrigation Area
Researchers examined how different concentrations of microplastics affect the bioavailability of copper and zinc in sewage-irrigated soils, finding that microplastics can alter heavy metal mobility and plant uptake, with implications for food safety in contaminated agricultural areas.
Microplastics in soil affect the growth and physiological characteristics of Chinese fir and Phoebe bournei seedlings
Pot experiments with tree seedlings showed that high concentrations of polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics in soil suppressed plant growth by reducing chlorophyll levels, weakening antioxidant defenses, and lowering key nutrients in leaves. Lower concentrations of polyethylene actually had some positive effects, suggesting the impacts depend on dose and plastic type. These findings are relevant to understanding how microplastic-contaminated soils could affect forestry and reforestation efforts.
Effects of Different Trace Elements on Ecophysiological Characteristics of Ligustrum obtusifolium Saplings
Not relevant to microplastics — this pot experiment study examines how cadmium, chromium, lead, and zinc affect the growth and physiology of Ligustrum obtusifolium shrubs as candidates for phytoremediation.
Polystyrene microplastics disturb the redox homeostasis, carbohydrate metabolism and phytohormone regulatory network in barley
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.
Effects of Microplastics on the Growth and Physiological Characteristics of Mulberry
Researchers exposed mulberry trees to varying concentrations of polylactic acid (PLA) microplastics in soil, finding that high concentrations (10% by weight) significantly reduced plant growth and damaged the photosynthetic system while triggering oxidative stress — a type of cellular damage from harmful reactive molecules. The findings show that even biodegradable plastics can harm economically important trees when they accumulate in soil at high levels.
Integrating Chlorophyll a Fluorescence and Enzymatic Profiling to Reveal the Wheat Responses to Nano-ZnO Stress
Not relevant to microplastics — this study examines how different wheat cultivars respond to zinc oxide nanoparticle stress in soil, using chlorophyll fluorescence and enzyme activity to identify tolerant varieties.
Combined impact of short-term phosphorus deficiency and microplastic contamination on tomato mineral elements, chlorophyll fluorescence and root exudates
Researchers studied how phosphorus deficiency and microplastic contamination together affect tomato plants grown in hydroponic conditions. They found that while each stressor alone had measurable effects, the combination altered root exudate composition and mineral uptake in distinct ways. The study highlights that microplastics may interact with existing nutritional stresses to create compounding challenges for plant health.
Microplastics as emerging stressors in plants: biochemical and metabolic responses
This review examines how microplastics act as environmental stressors in plants, disrupting biochemical and metabolic processes including photosynthesis, antioxidant defenses, and nutrient uptake, with effects varying by polymer type, particle size, and concentration.
Zinc ions enhance tolerance to nanoplastics stress in rice seedlings: Advancing the development and optimization of traditional zinc fertilizers
Researchers tested whether traditional zinc sulfate fertilizer could help rice seedlings tolerate polystyrene microplastic stress, as an alternative to zinc oxide nanoparticles which carry their own environmental risks. They found that appropriate zinc levels reduced oxidative damage through different mechanisms in shoots versus roots, restoring photosynthesis and development. The findings offer a practical, lower-risk strategy for protecting crops from microplastic contamination in agricultural soils.
Effect of macro-and micro-plastics in soil on growth of Juvenile Lime Tree (Citrus aurantium)
Researchers examined the effects of macro- and micro-sized LDPE, PP, and PS plastics in soil on juvenile lime tree growth and found that plastic presence, both individually and in mixtures, altered plant development under field conditions.
Effects of microplastic and copper applications on chlorophyll and carotenoid contents in kale and tomato
Researchers investigated the individual and combined effects of microplastics and copper on kale and tomato plants, measuring impacts on chlorophyll and carotenoid pigment content to assess how co-contamination of agricultural soils affects crop physiology.
Integrated physiological, transcriptomic, and metabolic analysis reveals the effects of nanoplastics exposure on tea plants
Researchers used physiological, transcriptomic, and metabolic analysis to assess the effects of nano/microplastics on tea plants, finding impaired photosynthesis, oxidative stress, and disrupted metabolic pathways at environmentally relevant concentrations. The study highlights risks to tea crop safety and quality from plastic pollution in agricultural soils.
Characterization of the foliar uptake of zinc sources by soybean (Glycine max L.)
This plant science study examined how soybean plants absorb and use zinc applied to their leaves versus through the soil. It is not related to microplastics or environmental contamination.
Micro and nanoplastics pollution: Sources, distribution, uptake in plants, toxicological effects, and innovative remediation strategies for environmental sustainability
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.
Phytotoxic effects of polyethylene microplastics combined with cadmium on the photosynthetic performance of maize (Zea mays L.)
Researchers studied how polyethylene microplastics combined with cadmium, a toxic heavy metal, affect photosynthesis in two varieties of maize. They found that microplastics generally worsened cadmium's negative effects on the plants' ability to capture light energy and convert it to growth, though responses differed between maize varieties. The study suggests that microplastic pollution in agricultural soils could amplify the harm caused by heavy metal contamination to crop productivity.
Carbon sequestration reduced by the interference of nanoplastics on copper bioavailability
Researchers investigated how nanoplastics affect the availability of copper to marine phytoplankton, which play a critical role in capturing carbon from the atmosphere. They found that nanoplastics reduced the amount of copper available to these organisms, impairing their photosynthesis and carbon sequestration capacity. The study suggests that nanoplastic pollution in the ocean could indirectly weaken a key natural process for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Ecotoxicological Impacts of Microplastics and Cadmium Pollution on Wheat Seedlings
Researchers investigated the combined effects of polyethylene microplastics and cadmium on wheat seedlings and found that microplastics generally reduced the antioxidant enzyme response that cadmium alone would trigger. The study also found that microplastics altered cadmium bioaccumulation patterns, increasing cadmium uptake in roots at low concentrations but decreasing it at higher levels, suggesting complex interactions between these co-occurring pollutants.
Molecular mechanisms underlying microplastics-induced inhibition of lateral root development in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
Researchers investigated how PET microplastics affect tomato seedling root development and found that exposure significantly inhibited lateral root growth, reduced chlorophyll content, and impaired photosynthesis. The study revealed that microplastics triggered oxidative stress in root tips and disrupted auxin and abscisic acid hormone signaling pathways, suggesting these molecular mechanisms underlie the observed phytotoxicity.
Co-exposure of maize to polyethylene microplastics and ZnO nanoparticles: Impact on growth, fate, and interaction
Researchers studied the combined effects of polyethylene microplastics and zinc oxide nanoparticles on maize growth in a pot experiment. The study found that co-exposure altered plant growth, the fate of nanoparticles in the soil-plant system, and the interaction between these two common agricultural contaminants, suggesting that microplastics can influence how other pollutants behave in crop production.
Polypropylene Microplastics Bidirectionally Modulate Copper Toxicity in Jasminum sambac by Rewiring Glutathione and Porphyrin‐Photosynthetic Networks
Researchers exposed jasmine plants to copper-spiked soil with varying levels of polypropylene microplastics and observed a non-linear, dose-dependent effect on copper toxicity. At intermediate microplastic levels, the plants showed reduced copper uptake and improved photosynthesis through coordinated adjustments in antioxidant and chlorophyll pathways. However, at higher microplastic concentrations, this protective effect disappeared as antioxidant defenses collapsed, suggesting microplastics can both buffer and worsen metal toxicity in soils depending on the dose.
Nano- and microplastics commonly cause adverse impacts on plants at environmentally relevant levels: A systematic review
Systematic review of 78 studies found that nano- and microplastics commonly cause adverse effects on plants even at environmentally relevant concentrations, with germination and root growth more strongly affected than shoot growth during early development. Chlorophyll levels were consistently reduced while stress indicators (ROS) and antioxidant enzymes were consistently upregulated across species.