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20 resultsShowing papers similar to Toxicity orchestrated by alkyl chain length of plasticizers and exposure time: Transfer mechanisms of microplastic-plasticizer co-contamination across the full life cycle of rye
ClearDynamics of accumulation and multilevel biological effects of various alkyl chain phthalates and microplastics in rye: New insights into individual, physiological, and molecular perspectives
Researchers studied the combined toxicity of three phthalate esters with different alkyl chain lengths and polystyrene microplastics on rye plants, finding that MP presence amplified the phytotoxicity of longer-chain phthalates. The results demonstrate that microplastics can act as carriers that enhance the uptake and toxicity of co-occurring chemical contaminants in crops.
Revealing the bioavailability and phytotoxicity of different particle size microplastics on diethyl phthalate (DEP) in rye (Secale cereale L.)
Researchers studied how microplastics of different sizes interact with a common plasticizer chemical (DEP) in rye plants. Smaller nanoplastics were able to enter and move through the plant, disrupting leaf cells, while the plasticizer chemical increased the plant's uptake of nanoplastics. This suggests that microplastics and the chemicals they carry can work together to contaminate food crops, with smaller particles posing the greatest risk.
Carrier effects of microplastics in a hydroponic system: Amplifying diethyl phthalate toxicity and endophytic dysbiosis in Rye (Secale cereale L.) with implications for aquatic ecosystems
Researchers found that polystyrene microplastics and diethyl phthalate (a common plasticizer) interact synergistically to cause severe toxicity in hydroponically grown rye, far exceeding the damage from either pollutant alone. The study revealed a bidirectional mechanism where microplastics adsorb the plasticizer while the plasticizer enhances microplastic uptake by roots, leading to photosynthetic collapse and disrupted endophytic microbial communities.
The trojan horse in agricultural water: How microbe-mediated interactions of nanoplastics and flame retardants drive multiscale toxicity and seed transmission in rye
Researchers investigated how nanoplastics and flame retardants interact when co-transported through agricultural irrigation water, using rye as a model crop. The study found that nanoplastics formed stable complexes with flame retardants via van der Waals forces, which accumulated in roots, translocated to seeds, caused severe oxidative damage, and reduced photosynthesis by nearly 65% through synergistic toxic effects.
Effect of polyethylene particles on dibutyl phthalate toxicity in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.).
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.
Investigating the Impact of Microplastics Type of Polyethylene, Polypropylene, and Polystyrene on Seed Germination and Early Growth of Rice Plants
Researchers investigated how three common types of microplastics, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene, affect rice seed germination and early seedling growth. They found that microplastic exposure altered root development and shoot growth, with the effects varying by polymer type. The study raises concerns about how microplastic-contaminated agricultural soils could affect staple crop establishment and food production.
Polystyrene microplastics facilitate the chemical journey of phthalates through vegetable and aggravate phytotoxicity
This study showed that polystyrene microplastics in soil can absorb and carry phthalates (harmful chemicals used in plastics) into vegetable crops, increasing the amount of these toxic chemicals in the edible parts of the plants. The combination of microplastics and phthalates together was more damaging to plant health than either pollutant alone. This is concerning for human health because it means microplastics could be increasing our exposure to toxic chemicals through the vegetables we eat.
Recent advances on microplastics/nanoplastics interaction with plant species: A concise review
This review synthesizes research on how microplastics and nanoplastics interact with plants, finding that plastic particles in soil can interfere with root uptake, germination, and crop yields depending on the type and concentration of plastic present. The findings are particularly relevant to human health because food crops grown in microplastic-contaminated agricultural soils may absorb or accumulate plastic particles, creating a direct dietary exposure route.
Effect of High-Density Polyethylene, Polyvinyl Chloride and Low-Density Polyethylene Microplastics on Seeding of Paddy
This study tested how three common types of plastic microparticles affect rice seedling growth, finding that they can interfere with early plant development. The results matter for food safety because rice is a staple crop for billions of people, and microplastic contamination in agricultural soil could affect crop yields and potentially introduce plastic particles into the food supply.
Size-dependent effects of polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics on the quality of rice grains and the metabolism mechanism
Researchers found that tiny polystyrene plastic particles (under 100 nanometers) were absorbed by rice roots and traveled up into the grain, reducing protein content by up to 29%. The smallest particles weakened the plant's natural defenses by disrupting sugar metabolism. This means microplastics in soil could be silently lowering the nutritional quality of rice that people eat.
The effect of microplastic contaminated compost on the growth of rice seedlings
Researchers found that adding PET microplastics to compost significantly harmed rice seedling growth, reducing root length by 38%, plant height by 25%, and chlorophyll content by up to 55%. The microplastics appeared to interfere with nutrient uptake and photosynthesis. This is concerning because compost used in agriculture is often contaminated with plastic waste, which could reduce crop yields and potentially affect food quality.
Microplastics and plant health: A comprehensive analysis of entry pathways, physiological impacts, and remediation strategies
This comprehensive review examines how microplastics enter plant systems, the physiological and biochemical impacts on plant health, and the implications for crop productivity and food safety, synthesizing evidence that MPs can reduce germination, growth, and nutritional quality in agricultural plants.
Mechanistic insights into the size-dependent bioaccumulation and phytotoxicity of polyethylene microplastics in tomato seedlings
Researchers investigated how polyethylene microplastics of different sizes affect tomato seedlings and found that the smallest particles (1-50 micrometers) caused the most severe damage, reducing shoot weight by 42.3% and root length by 55.1%. The study revealed that microplastic uptake and toxicity are strongly size-dependent, with smaller particles more easily absorbed and translocated through plant tissues, triggering significant oxidative stress.
Life-long impacts of nanoplastics to rice plant (Oryza sativa L.): Decreased grain yield with perturbed metallome and soil microbiome
Researchers studied how nano-sized PET plastic particles affect rice plants throughout their entire life cycle at concentrations found in real-world environments. They found that nanoplastic exposure reduced grain quality and yield, disrupted mineral nutrient balance, and significantly altered the soil microbial community. The study highlights a potential threat to global food security, since rice is a staple food for billions of people.
A critical review of microplastics in the soil-plant system: Distribution, uptake, phytotoxicity and prevention
This review brings together data from over 1,000 sampling sites worldwide to map microplastic contamination in soil and its effects on plants. Microplastics can delay seed germination, stunt plant growth, inhibit photosynthesis, and cause genetic damage to crops. The findings raise concerns about food safety because microplastics in agricultural soil could both reduce crop yields and introduce contaminants into the food chain.
Particle size-dependent biomolecular footprints of interactive microplastics in maize
Researchers tested how five common types of microplastics at different particle sizes affect maize seedlings at the molecular and physiological level. The study found that smaller microplastic particles (75-150 micrometers) caused more cellular damage than larger ones, disrupting cell membranes, reducing photosynthetic pigments, and triggering stress responses. Mixtures of multiple plastic types were especially harmful, suggesting that real-world combinations of microplastic pollution may pose greater risks to crops than individual plastic types.
Characteristics of microplastics and their effects on phthalates and microbial activity in greenhouse soil after long-term planting
Long-term greenhouse vegetable cultivation using plastic mulch resulted in accumulation of microplastics in soil, which altered microbial activity and phthalate levels in ways that changed with the number of planting years.
Micro/nanoplastics: Critical review of their impacts on plants, interactions with other contaminants (antibiotics, heavy metals, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), and management strategies
This review examines how micro- and nanoplastics harm plants, both alone and in combination with other pollutants like antibiotics, heavy metals, and hydrocarbons. The combined exposure often worsens the damage, including inhibited growth, reduced seed germination, and genetic toxicity. The review also explores strategies to reduce this plant damage, which matters for food safety since contaminated crops are a route for microplastics to reach humans.
Effects of microplastics on growth and metabolism of rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Researchers found that polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride microplastics inhibited rice growth and disrupted ionic homeostasis and antioxidant metabolism in a dose-dependent manner, with PVC microplastics causing more severe effects than polystyrene.
Response of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv.) to the coexistence of micro-/nanoplastics and phthalate esters alters its growth environment
Researchers studied how wheat responds to co-existing stressors of microplastics and another soil contaminant, finding that combined exposure altered plant growth, physiological parameters, and grain quality compared to single-stressor exposures. The results highlight the importance of testing contaminant mixtures in agricultural soils.