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Xu L, Xie W, Dai H, Wei S, Skuza L, Li J, Shi C, Zhang L. Effects of combined microplastics and heavy metals pollution on terrestrial plants and rhizosphere environment: A review. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 358:142107. [PMID: 38657695 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) can enter the soil environment through industry, agricultural production and daily life sources. Their interaction with heavy metals (HMs) poses a significant threat to a variety of terrestrial ecosystems, including agricultural ones, thereby affecting crop quality and threatening human health. This review initially addresses the impact of single and combined contamination with MPs and HMs on soil environment, including changes in soil physicochemical properties, microbial community structure and diversity, fertility, enzyme activity and resistance genes, as well as alterations in heavy metal speciation. The article further explores the effects of this pollution on the growth characteristics of terrestrial plants, such as plant biomass, antioxidant systems, metabolites and photosynthesis. In general, the combined contaminants tend to significantly affect soil environment and terrestrial plant growth, i.e., the impact of combined contaminants on plants weight ranged from -87.5% to 4.55%. Similarities and differences in contamination impact levels stem from the variations in contaminant types, sizes and doses of contaminants and the specific plant growth environments. In addition, MPs can not only infiltrate plants directly, but also significantly affect the accumulation of HMs in terrestrial plants. The heavy metals concentration in plants under the treatment of MPs were 70.26%-36.80%. The co-occurrence of these two pollution types can pose a serious threat to crop productivity and safety. Finally, this study proposes suggestions for future research aiming to address current gaps in knowledge, raises awareness about the impact of combined MPs + HMs pollution on plant growth and eco-environmental security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xu
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266520, China
| | - Wenjun Xie
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266520, China.
| | - Huiping Dai
- College of Biological Science & Engineering, Shaanxi Province Key Laboratory of Bio-resources, Qinling-Bashan Mountains Bioresources Comprehensive Development C.I.C, State Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Ecological Environment Jointly Built By Qinba Province and Ministry, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, 723001, China
| | - Shuhe Wei
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environment Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016, China.
| | - Lidia Skuza
- Institute of Biology, Centre for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, 71-415, Poland
| | - Jianan Li
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266520, China
| | - Cailing Shi
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266520, China
| | - Lichang Zhang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266520, China
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Wu X, Lin L, Lin Z, Deng X, Li W, He T, Zhang J, Wang Y, Chen L, Lei Z, Liu C, Xu Z. Influencing mechanisms of microplastics existence on soil heavy metals accumulated by plants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 926:171878. [PMID: 38537832 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals often coexist in soil, drawing significant attention to their interactions and the potential risks of biological accumulation in the soil-plant system. This paper comprehensively reviews the factors and biochemical mechanisms that influence the uptake of heavy metals by plants, in the existence of MPs, spanning from rhizospheric soil to the processes of root absorption and transport. The paper begins by introducing the origins and current situation of soil contamination with both heavy metals and MPs. It then discusses how MPs alter the physicochemical properties of rhizospheric soil, with a focus on parameters that affect the bioavailability of heavy metals such as aggregates, pH, Eh, and soil organic carbon (SOC). The paper also examines the effect of this pollution on soil organisms and plant growth and reviews the mechanisms by which MPs affect the bioavailability and movement-transformation of heavy metals in rhizospheric soil. This examination emphasizes the roles of rhizospheric microbes, soil fauna, and root physiological metabolism. Finally, the paper outlines the research progress on the mechanisms by which MPs influence the uptake and transport of heavy metals by plant roots. Through this comprehensive review, this paper provides aims to provide environmental managers with a detailed understanding of the potential impact of the coexistence of MPs and heavy metals on the soil-plant ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Wu
- College of Resources and Environment, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Lihong Lin
- College of Resources and Environment, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Zheng Lin
- College of Resources and Environment, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Xingying Deng
- College of Resources and Environment, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Wanli Li
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Tao He
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Hanjiang Normal University, Shi Yan 442000, China
| | - Jiexiang Zhang
- GRG Metrology& Test Group Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510656, China
| | - Yifan Wang
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Lili Chen
- Business School, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; School of Geography and Planning, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zexiang Lei
- College of Resources and Environment, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Chunguang Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Zhimin Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany and Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded Ecosystems, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China.
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Zhong G, Qiao B, He Y, Liu H, Hong P, Rao G, Tang L, Tang Z, Hu L. Co-exposure of arsenic and polystyrene-nanoplastics induced kidney injury by disrupting mitochondrial homeostasis and mtROS-mediated ferritinophagy and ferroptosis. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 201:105904. [PMID: 38685226 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2024.105904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Arsenic (As) and polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) co-exposure induced biotoxicity and ecological risks have attracted wide attention. However, the combined effects of As and PSNPs on the kidney and their underlying mechanisms of toxicities remain to be explored. Here, we investigated the effects of As and PSNPs co-exposure on structure and function in mice kidney, and further explored the possible mechanisms. In this study, we identified that co-exposure to As and PSNPs exhibited conspicuous renal structural damage and pathological changes, accompanied by renal tissue fibrosis (increased protein expression of Collagen I and α-SMA and deposition of collagen fibers), whereas alone exposure to As or PSNPs does not exhibit nephrotoxicity. Subsequently, our results further showed that combined action of As and PSNPs induced mitochondrial oxidative damage and impaired mitochondrial dynamic balance. Furthermore, co-treatment with As and PSNPs activated NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy and ferroptosis in mice kidney and TCMK-1 cells, which was confirmed by the changes in the expression of ferritinophagy and ferroptosis related indicators (NCOA4, LC3, ATG5, ATG7, FTH1, FTL, GPX4, SLC7A11, FSP1, ACSL4 and PTGS2). Meaningfully, pretreatment with the mtROS-targeted scavenger Mito-TEMPO significantly attenuated As and PSNPs co-exposure induced mitochondrial damage, ferritinophagy and ferroptosis. In conclusion, these findings demonstrated that mtROS-dependent ferritinophagy and ferroptosis are important factors in As and PSNPs co-exposure induced kidney injury and fibrosis. This study provides a new insight into the study of combined toxicity of nanoplastics and heavy metal pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaolong Zhong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Baoxin Qiao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Ying He
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Guangxi Veterinary Research Institute, Nanning 530001, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Nanning, Guangxi, China; Key Laboratory of China(Guangxi)-ASEAN Cross-border Animal Disease Prevention and Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, Nanning, China
| | - Haiyan Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Panjing Hong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Gan Rao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Lixuan Tang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zhaoxin Tang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Lianmei Hu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
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Li Z, Song Z, Qiu L, Cao Y, Gu H, Wang Z, Liu X, Qian X. Quantitative distribution and quantized ecological threat of microplastics in farmland: Shanghai as an example. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133069. [PMID: 38056264 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in farmlands poses a threat to soil health and crop yield. There needs to be more research on the role of cropping patterns in the accumulation of MPs and quantizing the threat of MPs on soil health and crop yield. In this study, a field study was carried out to explore the role of cropping patterns in the accumulation of MPs in agricultural soil in Shanghai, China. Furthermore, the specific effect and importance of MPs and each soil physicochemical indicator to soil health and crop yield were clarified, and the threat of MPs in reducing soil health and crop yield was quantized. Relative lower MPs abundance was detected in Shanghai. MPs abundance in vegetable fields was significantly higher than that in orchards. The broad source of MPs, the acceleration of plastics breaking under artificial disturbance and warmer temperatures, and the block of MPs exchange could account for the quicker accumulation of MPs in vegetable fields. MPs have a negligible effect on microbial diversity and metabolic activity which plays a role in soil enzyme activity. Besides, MPs served as one of the critical factors for rice yield reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengwen Li
- Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Zhaofeng Song
- Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Linlin Qiu
- School of Resources·&·Environmental-Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yan Cao
- Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Hairong Gu
- Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Zhenqi Wang
- Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Xiang Liu
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Xiaoyong Qian
- Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai, 200233, China.
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Liu Y, Huang W, Wang Y, Wen Q, Zhou J, Wu S, Liu H, Chen G, Qiu R. Effects of naturally aged microplastics on the distribution and bioavailability of arsenic in soil aggregates and its accumulation in lettuce. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 914:169964. [PMID: 38211862 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.169964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Naturally aged microplastics (NAMPs) and arsenic (As) have been reported to coexist in and threaten potentially to soil-plant ecosystem. The research explored the combined toxic effects of NAMPs and As to lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) growth, and the distribution, accumulation and bioavailability of As in soil aggregates. The As contaminated soil with low, medium and high concentrations (L-As, M-As, H-As) were treated with or without NAMPs, and a total of six treatments. The results displayed that, in comparison to separate treatments of L-As and M-As, the presence of NAMPs increased the total biomass of lettuce grown at these two As concentrations by 68.9 % and 55.4 %, respectively. Simultaneous exposure of NAMPs and L-As or M-As led to a decrease in As content in shoot (0.45-2.17 mg kg-1) and root (5.68-14.66 mg kg-1) of lettuce, indicating an antagonistic effect between them. In contrast, co-exposure to H-As and NAMPs showed synergistic toxicity, and the leaf chlorophyll and nutritional quality of lettuce were also reduced. NAMPs altered the ratio of different soil aggregate fractions and the distribution of bioavailable As within them, which influenced the absorption of As by lettuce. In conclusion, these direct observations assist us in enhancing the comprehend of the As migration and enrichment characteristics in soil-plant system under the influence of NAMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanwei Liu
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Weigang Huang
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yujue Wang
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Qian Wen
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Juanjuan Zhou
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Shengze Wu
- Guangdong Testing Institute of Product Quality Supervision, Foshan 528300, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Guangdong Testing Institute of Product Quality Supervision, Foshan 528300, China
| | - Guikui Chen
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Rongliang Qiu
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
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Li K, Xiu X, Hao W. Microplastics in soils: Production, behavior process, impact on soil organisms, and related toxicity mechanisms. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 350:141060. [PMID: 38159733 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.141060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, microplastics (MPs) pollution has become a hot ecological issue of global concern and MP pollution in soil is becoming increasingly serious. Studies have shown that MPs have adverse effects on soil biology and ecological functions. Although MPs are evident in soils, identifying their source, abundance, and types is difficult because of the complexity and variability of soil components. In addition, the effects of MPs on soil physicochemical properties (PCP), including direct effects such as direct interaction with soil particles and indirect effects such as the impact on soil organisms, have not been reported in a differentiated manner. Furthermore, at present, the soil ecological effects of MPs are mostly based on biological toxicity reports of their exudate or size effects, whereas the impact of their surface-specific properties (such as environmentally persistent free radicals, surface functional groups, charge, and curvature) on soil ecological functions is not fully understood. Considering this, this paper reviews the latest research findings on the production and behavioral processes of MPs in soil, the effects on soil PCP, the impacts on different soil organisms, and the related toxic mechanisms. The above discussion will enhance further understanding of the behavioral characteristics and risks of MPs in soil ecosystems and provide some theoretical basis for further clarification of the molecular mechanisms of the effects of MPs on soil organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, China.
| | - Xiaojia Xiu
- Changwang School of Honors, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China
| | - Wanqi Hao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, China
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Gao M, Bai L, Xiao L, Peng H, Chen Q, Qiu W, Song Z. Micro (nano)plastics and phthalate esters drive endophytic bacteria alteration and inhibit wheat root growth. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167734. [PMID: 37827310 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Endophytes play an important role in plant growth and stress tolerance, but limited information is available on the complex effects of micro (nano)plastics and phthalate esters (PAEs) on endophytes in terrestrial plants. To better elucidate the ecological response of endophytic bacteria on exogenous pollutants, a hydroponic experiment was conducted to examine the combined impact of polystyrene (PS) and PAEs on endophyte community structure, diversity, and wheat growth. The findings revealed that wheat roots were capable of absorbing and accumulating PS nanoparticles (PS-NPs, 0.1 μm), whereas PS microparticles (PS-MPs, 1 and 10 μm) merely adhered to the root surface. The addition of PAEs resulted in a stronger accumulation of fluorescent signal from PS-NPs in the roots. The dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) were identified in wheat roots, and they could be metabolized to form minobutyl phthalate and phthalic acid, and mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, respectively. Compared to single PAEs, the concentration of PAEs and their metabolites in the roots treated with PS-NPs showed a great increase, while they exhibited a significant decline in the presence of PS-MPs. Principal coordinate analysis and permutational multivariate analysis of variance demonstrated that PS size were the major factor that induced oxidative damage, and altered the endogenous homeostasis of wheat roots. The increase in PS size positively promoted the relative abundance of dominant endophytes. Specifically, Proteobacteria. Proteobacteria were the most important in the symbiosis survival, which had a great impact on the microbial community and diversity. Therefore, PS and PAEs could affect the endophytes directly and indirectly. Structural equation modeling further implied that these endophytic bacteria, along with antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase which were regulated by non-enzymatic mechanisms, promoted root biomass increase. These results indicated a synergistic resistance mechanism between antioxidant enzymes and endophytic bacteria in response to environmental stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minling Gao
- Department of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Linsen Bai
- Department of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Ling Xiao
- Department of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Hongchang Peng
- Department of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Qiaoting Chen
- Department of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Weiwen Qiu
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Private Bag 4704, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
| | - Zhengguo Song
- Department of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China.
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Dhevagi P, Keerthi Sahasa RG, Poornima R, Ramya A. Unveiling the effect of microplastics on agricultural crops - a review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOREMEDIATION 2023; 26:793-815. [PMID: 37941363 DOI: 10.1080/15226514.2023.2275152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), ever since they were identified as a potential and widely distributed persistent contaminant, the number of studies highlighting their impacts on various terrestrial ecosystems have been increasing. Recently, the effect of MPs on the agricultural ecosystem has gained momentum. Hence, the present review examines the impact of microplastics on agricultural crop systems and the mechanism underlying its toxicity. The current review revealed that most of the studies were conducted at a laboratory scale and under controlled conditions. Additionally, it was observed that polystyrene (PS) followed by polyethylene (PE) are the most studied polymer type, while the most studied plants are wheat and maize. Hitherto, literature studies suggest that the microplastics' influence on plant growth can be negative or sometimes neutral; while in some cases it exerts a hormetic effect which depends on other factors determining plant growth. Notably, the main mechanisms through which microplastics influence plant growth are mechanical damage, alteration of soil properties, or by leaching of additives. Overall, with burgeoning research interest in this aspect, the current review has significant implications for the toxicity of MPs on plants and throws light on the need to develop novel guidelines toward the sustainable use of plastics in agricultural sector. However, realistic field-level studies and estimating the MPs concentration at various region are essential to develop remediation approaches. Future studies should also focus on translocation and accumulation of micron sized MPs in edible portion of crops and their effect on food safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Periyasamy Dhevagi
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Ramesh Poornima
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ambikapathi Ramya
- Research Centre for Environmental Changes, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
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Santini G, Castiglia D, Perrotta MM, Landi S, Maisto G, Esposito S. Plastic in the Environment: A Modern Type of Abiotic Stress for Plant Physiology. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3717. [PMID: 37960073 PMCID: PMC10648480 DOI: 10.3390/plants12213717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, plastic pollution has become a growing environmental concern: more than 350 million tons of plastic material are produced annually. Although many efforts have been made to recycle waste, a significant proportion of these plastics contaminate and accumulate in the environment. A central point in plastic pollution is demonstrated by the evidence that plastic objects gradually and continuously split up into smaller pieces, thus producing subtle and invisible pollution caused by microplastics (MP) and nanoplastics (NP). The small dimensions of these particles allow for the diffusion of these contaminants in farmlands, forest, freshwater, and oceans worldwide, posing serious menaces to human, animal, and plant health. The uptake of MPs and NPs into plant cells seriously affects plant growth, development, and photosynthesis, finally limiting crop yields and endangering natural environmental biodiversity. Furthermore, nano- and microplastics-once adsorbed by plants-can easily enter the food chain, being highly toxic to animals and humans. This review addresses the impacts of MP and NP particles on plants in the terrestrial environment. In particular, we provide an overview here of the detrimental effects of photosynthetic injuries, oxidative stress, ROS production, and protein damage triggered by MN and NP in higher plants and, more specifically, in crops. The possible damage at the physiological and environmental levels is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Santini
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Cinthia, I-80126 Napoli, Italy; (G.S.); (M.M.P.); (G.M.); (S.E.)
| | - Daniela Castiglia
- Bio-Organic Chemistry Unit, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry CNR, Via Campi Flegrei 34, Pozzuoli, 80078 Naples, Italy
| | - Maryanna Martina Perrotta
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Cinthia, I-80126 Napoli, Italy; (G.S.); (M.M.P.); (G.M.); (S.E.)
| | - Simone Landi
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Cinthia, I-80126 Napoli, Italy; (G.S.); (M.M.P.); (G.M.); (S.E.)
| | - Giulia Maisto
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Cinthia, I-80126 Napoli, Italy; (G.S.); (M.M.P.); (G.M.); (S.E.)
| | - Sergio Esposito
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Cinthia, I-80126 Napoli, Italy; (G.S.); (M.M.P.); (G.M.); (S.E.)
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Mészáros E, Bodor A, Kovács E, Papp S, Kovács K, Perei K, Feigl G. Impacts of Plastics on Plant Development: Recent Advances and Future Research Directions. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3282. [PMID: 37765446 PMCID: PMC10538034 DOI: 10.3390/plants12183282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Plastics have inundated the world, with microplastics (MPs) being small particles, less than 5 mm in size, originating from various sources. They pervade ecosystems such as freshwater and marine environments, soils, and the atmosphere. MPs, due to their small size and strong adsorption capacity, pose a threat to plants by inhibiting seed germination, root elongation, and nutrient absorption. The accumulation of MPs induces oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity in plants, which also impacts plant development, mineral nutrition, photosynthesis, toxic accumulation, and metabolite production in plant tissues. Furthermore, roots can absorb nanoplastics (NPs), which are then distributed to stems, leaves, and fruits. As MPs and NPs harm organisms and ecosystems, they raise concerns about physical damage and toxic effects on animals, and the potential impact on human health via food webs. Understanding the environmental fate and effects of MPs is essential, along with strategies to reduce their release and mitigate consequences. However, a full understanding of the effects of different plastics, whether traditional or biodegradable, on plant development is yet to be achieved. This review offers an up-to-date overview of the latest known effects of plastics on plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enikő Mészáros
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, H6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Attila Bodor
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, H6726 Szeged, Hungary; (A.B.); (K.P.)
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Temesvári krt. 62, H6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Etelka Kovács
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, H6726 Szeged, Hungary; (A.B.); (K.P.)
| | - Sarolta Papp
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, H6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Kamilla Kovács
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, H6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Katalin Perei
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, H6726 Szeged, Hungary; (A.B.); (K.P.)
| | - Gábor Feigl
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, H6726 Szeged, Hungary
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