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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Uptake, Distribution, and Impact of Micro- and Nano-Plastics in Horticultural Systems Using Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) as a Model Crop
ClearInternalization, physiological responses and molecular mechanisms of lettuce to polystyrene microplastics of different sizes: Validation of simulated soilless culture
This study found that lettuce plants absorb polystyrene microplastics through their roots and transport them to their leaves, with smaller particles (100 nanometers) moving more easily than larger ones. Both sizes reduced plant growth by roughly 38-48% and triggered stress responses including changes in gene expression. These findings raise food safety concerns since microplastics in soil can accumulate in leafy vegetables that people eat.
Potential impact and mechanism of aged polyethylene microplastics on nitrogen assimilation of Lactuca sativa L.
Researchers investigated how aged polyethylene microplastics of different sizes affect nitrogen uptake and metabolism in romaine lettuce. They found that aged microplastics, especially smaller particles, accumulated in the plants and disrupted nitrogen assimilation processes. The study suggests that microplastic contamination in agricultural soils may affect crop nutrition and quality by interfering with how plants absorb and process essential nutrients.
Uptake and accumulation of microplastics in an edible plant
Researchers demonstrated for the first time that edible plants can take up and accumulate microplastics from soil. Using fluorescently labeled polystyrene beads, they showed that 0.2-micrometer particles entered lettuce roots through small cracks at lateral root emergence sites, traveled through the vascular system, and accumulated in the leaves. The findings raise concerns about a previously unrecognized pathway for human microplastic exposure through the consumption of vegetables grown in contaminated soil.
Effect of microplastics on dry matter content in Lactuca sativa L.
This study tested the effects of microplastic particles on dry matter content in lettuce plants, finding that microplastic exposure affected plant biomass production. As agricultural soils accumulate microplastics, their effects on crop yield and nutritional quality become important food safety concerns.
Soil moisture and texture mediating the micro(nano)plastics absorption and growth of lettuce in natural soil conditions
Experiments growing lettuce in natural agricultural soil showed that microplastics and nanoplastics are taken up and transported through roots, stems, and even leaves, and that higher soil moisture accelerates this uptake and migration. Because the study used realistic soil conditions, it strengthens concerns that food crops may be accumulating plastic particles that consumers then ingest.
Different effects and mechanisms of polystyrene micro- and nano-plastics on the uptake of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd) by lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)
Researchers investigated how polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics affect the uptake of heavy metals by lettuce grown in contaminated soil. They found that nanoplastics increased the accumulation of copper and zinc in lettuce leaves, while microplastics had the opposite effect for some metals. The study reveals that plastic particle size plays a critical role in determining whether microplastics worsen or reduce heavy metal contamination in food crops.
Microplastic pollution in agriculture: How exposure pathway (Seed, Leaf, Root) dictates phytotoxicity in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)
This study compared the phytotoxicity of polyethylene microplastics applied to lettuce via seed, leaf, and root exposure pathways, finding that root exposure caused the greatest growth inhibition and oxidative stress. The route of MP exposure significantly influenced the type and severity of toxic effects on crops.
Toxic effects and mechanisms of engineered nanoparticles and nanoplastics on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)
Researchers compared the effects of engineered nanoparticles and polystyrene nanoplastics on lettuce and found that all types caused oxidative stress in roots at high concentrations. Each nanoparticle type triggered different defensive metabolic pathways in the plants, and nanoplastics specifically altered amino acid and vitamin metabolism. Since lettuce is widely consumed raw, these findings raise questions about how nanoplastic contamination in agricultural soil could affect the safety of leafy vegetables.
Metabolic response of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) to polystyrene nanoplastics and microplastics after foliar exposure
Researchers exposed lettuce plants to polystyrene nanoplastics and microplastics through their leaves and found that the particles altered the plant's metabolism differently depending on particle size. This foliar exposure pathway means that microplastics and nanoplastics settling on leafy vegetables from the air can change the plant's internal chemistry. Since lettuce is widely consumed raw, these metabolic changes raise questions about how microplastic-contaminated produce might affect nutritional quality and human health.
The dosage- and size-dependent effects of micro- and nanoplastics in lettuce roots and leaves at the growth, photosynthetic, and metabolomics levels
Researchers studied the effects of polyethylene micro- and nanoplastics on lettuce plants, varying both particle size and concentration. They found that particle size played a pivotal role in influencing plant growth, photosynthetic activity, and metabolic processes, with nanoplastics generally causing more pronounced effects than larger microplastics. The study suggests that the smallest plastic particles pose the greatest risk to crop health by disrupting plant physiology at multiple levels.
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.
Quantification of nanoplastics uptake and transport in lettuce by pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
Researchers developed a reliable laboratory method to precisely measure the amount of nanoplastic particles taken up by lettuce plants, using a combination of chemical digestion and specialized mass spectrometry techniques. They found that lettuce roots absorbed polystyrene nanoplastics and transported them to the leaves, with uptake levels depending on particle size. The study suggests that crops grown in nanoplastic-contaminated environments could accumulate these particles in their edible parts, raising questions about food safety.
Nanoplastics are taken up by lettuce and barley under realistic soil condition
Scientists found that tiny plastic particles called nanoplastics can be absorbed by lettuce and barley plants when grown in soil, even at low pollution levels similar to what's found in the environment. The plastic particles accumulated in the parts of the plants that people eat, showing a new way these pollutants could enter our food supply. While the amounts were small, this research reveals that nanoplastics from pollution can travel from soil into our crops, which could eventually affect human health.
Assessing the impact of micro and nanoplastics on the productivity of vegetable crops in terrestrial horticulture: a comprehensive review
This review summarizes research on how micro and nanoplastics accumulate in farmland and get absorbed by vegetable crops through their roots, building up in the edible parts of the plants. The plastic particles cause toxic effects that stunt plant growth by disrupting cellular processes and gene activity. This means the vegetables people eat may contain microplastics picked up from contaminated soil.
Foliar-applied polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) reduce the growth and nutritional quality of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)
When lettuce plants were exposed to polystyrene nanoplastics sprayed on their leaves, they grew significantly smaller and produced less nutritious food, with reduced essential amino acids and micronutrients. The nanoplastics were absorbed through leaf pores and could travel down to the roots, causing oxidative stress throughout the plant. This study warns that airborne nanoplastic pollution could reduce both the quantity and nutritional quality of food crops.
Effects of polystyrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene microplastics on the soil-rhizosphere-plant system: Phytotoxicity, enzyme activity, and microbial community
Researchers tested how three common types of microplastics (polystyrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene) affect lettuce growth and soil health. All three types inhibited plant growth, disrupted antioxidant systems in the leaves, and altered the microbial communities in the soil around roots, with polystyrene and polypropylene causing the most disturbance.
Quantification and polymeric characterization of microplastics in composts and their accumulation in lettuce
Researchers measured microplastics in eight types of compost and then grew lettuce in the contaminated material. Municipal solid waste compost contained the most microplastics, over 16,000 particles per kilogram, and lettuce grown in it accumulated the highest levels, with measurable impacts on plant growth. The findings suggest that compost quality standards should account for plastic contamination to protect food safety.
Uptake and translocation of polystyrene nanoplastics in edible plants via root and foliar exposure: A qualitative imaging-based study
Researchers examined the uptake and movement of polystyrene nanoplastics in lettuce, carrot, and wheat following root and foliar exposure using confocal and electron microscopy. The study found that nanoplastics were internalized in root, stem, and leaf tissues of all three species, with lettuce showing the most extensive systemic transport including bidirectional movement, raising potential concerns for human exposure through crop consumption.
Effect of different types and shapes of microplastics on the growth of lettuce
Researchers tested how different types and shapes of microplastics in soil affect lettuce growth in pot experiments. They found that polyvinyl chloride fragments had the most negative impact on lettuce weight and root development, while low-density polyethylene fibers showed less effect. The study indicates that the type and shape of microplastic contamination in agricultural soils matters significantly for crop health outcomes.
The distribution and impact of polystyrene nanoplastics on cucumber plants
Researchers investigated how polystyrene nanoplastics of four different sizes distribute within cucumber plants and affect root growth and fruit quality. They found that smaller particles accumulated more readily throughout the plant, moving from roots to leaves and fruit, and caused greater disruption to root physiology. The study suggests that nanoplastic contamination in agricultural soils could affect both crop development and food quality.
Micro (nano) plastic pollution: The ecological influence on soil-plant system and human health.
This review examines how micro- and nanoplastics affect soil health, plant growth, and food quality, finding that these particles accumulate in plant root systems and can reduce crop yields and alter nutritional content. Since contaminated soil and water are increasingly delivering microplastics to food crops, these findings are directly relevant to agricultural food safety.
Lettuce seed germination in the presence of microplastic contamination
This study examined the effects of microplastic contamination on lettuce seed germination, finding that microplastics in soil altered physiological processes such as water retention and chlorophyll production, with implications for food safety and agricultural ecosystems.
Microplastics and Their Effect in Horticultural Crops: Food Safety and Plant Stress
This review examined how microplastics and nanoplastics accumulate in agricultural soils and enter the food chain through edible plants and animals, concluding that plastic contamination represents a multi-pathway food safety risk requiring coordinated regulatory and agronomic responses.
Physiological responses of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) to microplastic pollution
PVC microplastics of two different size ranges had contrasting effects on lettuce roots, with smaller particles stimulating root growth and larger particles having no effect, and smaller particles also reduced photosynthetic efficiency at moderate concentrations. The study suggests that microplastic size is a key variable determining whether effects on crops are stimulatory or inhibitory.