We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Papers
61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Optimizing a controlled environment for microplastics uptake by aquatic plants
ClearOptimizing a controlled environment for microplastics uptake by aquatic plants
Researchers optimized controlled exposure conditions for studying microplastic uptake by aquatic plants, analyzing the dispersion behavior of polypropylene microparticles (chosen for their lower-than-water density) across different water matrices to better understand plant-microplastic interactions in aquatic ecosystems.
The effects of microplastics size and type on entrapment by freshwater macrophytes under vertical and lateral deposition
Researchers investigated how microplastic particle size and polymer type affect entrapment by freshwater macrophytes, finding that certain aquatic plant species preferentially intercepted specific particle sizes and that plant morphology determined capture efficiency across MPs of varying dimensions.
Tracing and trapping micro- and nanoplastics: Untapped mitigation potential of aquatic plants?
Researchers used fluorescently labeled polystyrene particles to trace microplastic and nanoplastic uptake in three aquatic plant species, finding that nanoplastics concentrated primarily in roots via apoplastic transport with bioconcentration factors up to 306, suggesting floating plants like water hyacinth may be useful for removing plastic from contaminated water.
The threat of micro/nanoplastic to aquatic plants: current knowledge, gaps, and future perspectives
This review summarizes what is known about how micro- and nanoplastics affect aquatic plants, including how plants absorb these particles through roots and leaves and transport them internally. Exposure can alter plant growth, photosynthesis, and interactions with other organisms, though effects vary widely depending on plastic type and concentration. The authors highlight major research gaps and call for more studies on real-world conditions rather than controlled lab settings.
Assessing phytotoxicity of microplastics on aquatic plants using fluorescent microplastics
Researchers tested the effects of tiny fluorescent microplastics on three types of aquatic plants and found that two species showed significantly reduced biomass after three weeks of exposure. They confirmed through laser fluorescence detection that the plants took up the microplastic particles. The study provides early evidence that microplastics can be directly harmful to aquatic plant growth, an area that has received limited research attention.
Aquatic plants entrap different size of plastics in indoor flume experiments
Researchers found that aquatic plants effectively entrap plastics in riverine environments, with plant species and plastic particle size influencing retention rates, suggesting vegetation plays an important role in limiting downstream plastic transport.
Effects of nanoplastics and microplastics on the growth of sediment-rooted macrophytes
Both nano- and microplastic particles negatively affected the growth of freshwater macrophytes in sediment-rooted experiments, with nanoplastics causing more pronounced effects at lower concentrations. The findings highlight that aquatic plants, which form the base of many freshwater food webs, are vulnerable to plastic particle pollution.
Microplastics retention by reeds in freshwater environment
Researchers sampled microplastics in sediment and plant tissue from reed beds in a freshwater environment, finding that reeds retained significantly more microplastics than adjacent open water sediments, suggesting that emergent vegetation may act as a natural microplastic sink.
Toxic effects of microplastics on aquatic plants
This review examines the toxic effects of microplastics on freshwater and aquatic plants, which are often the first organisms exposed in aquatic ecosystems. Microplastics can reduce plant growth, disrupt photosynthesis, and affect nutrient uptake, with effects varying by polymer type and particle size.
Impact of microplastics on aquatic flora: Recent status, mechanisms of their toxicity and bioremediation strategies
This review examines how microplastics affect aquatic plants, from microscopic algae to larger vegetation, by physically blocking sunlight and pores and disrupting photosynthesis, reproduction, and nutrient uptake. Prolonged exposure triggers excessive production of harmful reactive oxygen species in plant cells, which can lead to cell death. The authors also highlight bioremediation approaches, including certain plants and microorganisms that can adsorb or break down microplastics by 25 to 80 percent in laboratory settings.
Leaf morphology affects microplastic entrapment efficiency in freshwater macrophytes
Researchers found that leaf morphology significantly affects the ability of freshwater macrophytes (aquatic plants) to trap microplastics, with leaf shape and surface texture influencing particle capture efficiency. The findings suggest that aquatic vegetation plays an underappreciated role in microplastic retention and transport in freshwater ecosystems.
Adsorption of different types of microplastic particles by macrophytes of Lake Baikal
Researchers experimentally investigated the adsorption of different microplastic particle types by submerged macrophyte species from Lake Baikal, finding that macrophytes can accumulate microplastics on their surfaces with implications for aquatic plant health and associated ecological communities in this unique ecosystem.
Adsorption of different types of microplastic particles by macrophytes of Lake Baikal
Researchers experimentally investigated the adsorption of different microplastic particle types by submerged macrophyte species from Lake Baikal, finding that macrophytes can accumulate microplastics on their surfaces with implications for aquatic plant health and associated ecological communities in this unique ecosystem.
Transport dynamics of microplastics within aquatic vegetation featuring realistic plant morphology
Researchers investigated how aquatic vegetation with realistic plant structures affects the transport and trapping of microplastics in river environments. They found that floating plant canopies significantly altered water flow and increased microplastic retention, with smaller nanoscale particles being trapped more effectively than larger ones. The study suggests that aquatic vegetation may act as a natural filter, accumulating microplastics and potentially preventing their transport downstream to oceans.
Aquatic vascular plants – A forgotten piece of nature in microplastic research
Aquatic vascular plants accumulate microplastics on their surfaces through electrostatic attraction, leaf morphology, and periphyton, and these retained particles can be easily ingested by herbivores. The authors argue that plants are an overlooked but important pathway by which microplastics enter freshwater food webs, and deserve more research attention.
Effects of biofouled plastics on phytoplankton community assembling and water chemistry: pilot study and implications for freshwater environments
Researchers conducted a pilot laboratory study exposing a five-species freshwater phytoplankton community to pristine and biofouled polypropylene fragments to investigate whether plastic acts as a carrier for algal species dispersal and to assess effects on water biodiversity and chemistry in freshwater environments.
In situ effects of microplastics on the decomposition of aquatic macrophyte litter in eutrophic shallow lake sediments, China
Researchers conducted an in situ experiment to examine how polypropylene microplastics in lake sediments affect the decomposition of aquatic plant litter. The study found that high concentrations and larger sizes of microplastics can accelerate leaf litter breakdown and nutrient release, with effects mediated through changes in microbial respiration and macroinvertebrate communities.
Long-term interactions between microplastics and floating macrophyte Lemna minor: The potential for phytoremediation of microplastics in the aquatic environment
Researchers studied whether the floating aquatic plant Lemna minor could be used to remove microplastics from water through a 12-week experiment. The plant tolerated high concentrations of polyethylene microplastics without significant health effects after an initial adjustment period, and the particles adhered readily to the plant biomass. The findings suggest that duckweed-based systems could offer a nature-based approach for capturing microplastics from contaminated waterways.
A low-impact nature-based solution for reducing aquatic microplastics from freshwater ecosystems
Researchers developed a nature-based solution using the submerged plant Myriophyllum aquaticum to capture and retain microplastics from freshwater ecosystems. Through optimization experiments, they achieved high retention efficiency with minimal environmental disruption. The study demonstrates that aquatic plants can serve as a low-impact, practical tool for reducing microplastic pollution in rivers and lakes.
Toward a better understanding of microalgal photosynthesis in medium polluted with microplastics: a study of the radiative properties of microplastic particles
This study measured how microplastic particles from two common polymers — polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP) — interact with light, finding that both scatter light strongly rather than absorbing it. This matters because microplastics floating in waterways can shade out microalgae by blocking light needed for photosynthesis, potentially disrupting aquatic food webs at their base.
[Effects of Microplastics on the Growth and Physiology Characteristics of Ceratophyllum demersum and Hydrilla verticillata].
Researchers investigated the effects of polystyrene and polyethylene terephthalate microplastics (100 micrometer, 50 and 100 mg/L) on growth and physiological characteristics of two submerged aquatic plants, Ceratophyllum demersum and Hydrilla verticillata, under single and mixed cultivation. The study found that microplastic exposure altered plant growth metrics and physiological parameters in a concentration- and polymer-type-dependent manner, informing understanding of microplastic ecological effects in aquatic vegetation.
Unraveling the toxic mechanisms of microplastics in aquatic ecosystem: A case study on Vallisneria natans and Myriophyllum verticillatum
Researchers exposed two submerged aquatic plant species (Vallisneria natans and Myriophyllum verticillatum) to PVC, polystyrene, and polyethylene microplastics at three concentrations, finding that all three types significantly inhibited photosynthesis and growth and triggered oxidative stress, with effects varying by plastic type and plant species.
Adsorption, uptake and toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics: Effects on terrestrial plants and aquatic macrophytes
This review summarizes research on how micro- and nanoplastics interact with terrestrial plants and aquatic macrophytes, finding that many species can absorb or take up plastic particles. Both short-term and long-term plastic exposure triggered stress responses in plants, and since plants are at the base of food chains and a major part of the human diet, there is concern about plastics moving up through the food web. The findings suggest that plastic pollution could potentially affect plant productivity and broader ecosystem function.
Optical transmission spectra study in visible and near-infrared spectral range for identification of rough transparent plastics in aquatic environments
Researchers proposed using light transmittance measurements to characterize the surface roughness and thickness of microplastics in water. This non-invasive optical method could help track how microplastics change as they weather in aquatic environments, becoming rougher and more likely to adsorb pollutants.