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Martin FM, van der Heijden MGA. The mycorrhizal symbiosis: research frontiers in genomics, ecology, and agricultural application. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2024; 242:1486-1506. [PMID: 38297461 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Mycorrhizal symbioses between plants and fungi are vital for the soil structure, nutrient cycling, plant diversity, and ecosystem sustainability. More than 250 000 plant species are associated with mycorrhizal fungi. Recent advances in genomics and related approaches have revolutionized our understanding of the biology and ecology of mycorrhizal associations. The genomes of 250+ mycorrhizal fungi have been released and hundreds of genes that play pivotal roles in regulating symbiosis development and metabolism have been characterized. rDNA metabarcoding and metatranscriptomics provide novel insights into the ecological cues driving mycorrhizal communities and functions expressed by these associations, linking genes to ecological traits such as nutrient acquisition and soil organic matter decomposition. Here, we review genomic studies that have revealed genes involved in nutrient uptake and symbiosis development, and discuss adaptations that are fundamental to the evolution of mycorrhizal lifestyles. We also evaluated the ecosystem services provided by mycorrhizal networks and discuss how mycorrhizal symbioses hold promise for sustainable agriculture and forestry by enhancing nutrient acquisition and stress tolerance. Overall, unraveling the intricate dynamics of mycorrhizal symbioses is paramount for promoting ecological sustainability and addressing current pressing environmental concerns. This review ends with major frontiers for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis M Martin
- Université de Lorraine, INRAE, UMR IAM, Champenoux, 54280, France
- Institute of Applied Mycology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Marcel G A van der Heijden
- Department of Agroecology & Environment, Plant-Soil Interactions, Agroscope, Zürich, 8046, Switzerland
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Zürich, Zürich, 8057, Switzerland
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2
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Li HH, Chen XW, Zhai FH, Li YT, Zhao HM, Mo CH, Luo Y, Xing B, Li H. Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus Alleviates Charged Nanoplastic Stress in Host Plants via Enhanced Defense-Related Gene Expressions and Hyphal Capture. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:6258-6273. [PMID: 38450439 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c07850] [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: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Contamination of small-sized plastics is recognized as a factor of global change. Nanoplastics (NPs) can readily enter organisms and pose significant ecological risks. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are the most ubiquitous and impactful plant symbiotic fungi, regulating essential ecological functions. Here, we first found that an AM fungus, Rhizophagus irregularis, increased lettuce shoot biomass by 25-100% when exposed to positively and negatively charged NPs vs control, although it did not increase that grown without NPs. The stress alleviation was attributed to the upregulation of gene expressions involving phytohormone signaling, cell wall metabolism, and oxidant scavenging. Using a root organ-fungus axenic growth system treated with fluorescence-labeled NPs, we subsequently revealed that the hyphae captured NPs and further delivered them to roots. NPs were observed at the hyphal cell walls, membranes, and spore walls. NPs mediated by the hyphae were localized at the root epidermis, cortex, and stele. Hyphal exudates aggregated positively charged NPs, thereby reducing their uptake due to NP aggregate formation (up to 5000 nm). This work demonstrates the critical roles of AM fungus in regulating NP behaviors and provides a potential strategy for NP risk mitigation in terrestrial ecosystems. Consequent NP-induced ecological impacts due to the affected AM fungi require further attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Hao Li
- Guangdong Provincial Research Centre for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, Department of Ecology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xun Wen Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Research Centre for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, Department of Ecology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Feng Hua Zhai
- Guangdong Provincial Research Centre for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, Department of Ecology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yong Tao Li
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Hai Ming Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Research Centre for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, Department of Ecology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Ce Hui Mo
- Guangdong Provincial Research Centre for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, Department of Ecology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yongming Luo
- Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Baoshan Xing
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Hui Li
- Guangdong Provincial Research Centre for Environment Pollution Control and Remediation Materials, Department of Ecology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
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He B, Liu Z, Wang X, Li M, Lin X, Xiao Q, Hu J. Dosage and exposure time effects of two micro(nono)plastics on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal diversity in two farmland soils planted with pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 917:170216. [PMID: 38278273 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170216] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
As emerging environmental pollutants, micro(nano)plastics (MPs) like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) have adverse effects on terrestrial biota and ecosystem function. However, the performance and roles of soil arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in MPs-contaminated vegetable fields are poorly understood. Thus, a 120-day pot experiment was conducted to test the impacts of two input levels of either PET (~13 μm) or LDPE (~500 nm) on AM fungal diversity and pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) growth in two farmland soils collected from Nanjing (NJ) and Chongqing (CQ), respectively. In the vast majority of cases, 1 % rather than 0.1 % of both MPs greatly decreased the observed richness, Shannon and Simpson's indices, and Pielou's evenness of AM fungi, and decreased mycorrhizal colonization, root and shoot biomasses, fruit yield, and leaf superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase activities of pepper, while increased leaf malondialdehyde content. From day 40 to 120, the inhibition of either diversity or vitality of AM fungi by 1 % and 0.1 % of MPs gradually increased and weakened, respectively. Compared with PET, LDPE with substantially smaller particle size was more toxic to mycorrhization at day 40, but no longer at day 120. Almost all plant parameters significantly correlated to mycorrhizal colonization, which significantly correlated to both Shannon and Simpson's indices of AM fungi, and soil pH, available P and K concentrations, and alkaline phosphatase activity. All diversity indices of AM fungi clearly negatively correlated to soil pH from 4.4 to 5.6 for the NJ soil and from 5.3 to 6.5 for the CQ soil, and also positively to mineral N and negatively to available P concentrations for the NJ and CQ soils, respectively. Thus, the study emphasized that high input of MPs significantly inhibited soil AM fungal diversity and vitality and thereby vegetable growth via changing soil pH and major nutrient availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baiping He
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; School of Biology, Food and Environment, Hefei University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Zihao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Minghui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Xiangui Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Qingqing Xiao
- School of Biology, Food and Environment, Hefei University, Hefei 230601, China.
| | - Junli Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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Ma K, Fu Y, Liu Y. The effects of microplastics on crop variation depend on polymer types and their interactions with soil nutrient availability and weed competition. PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2024; 26:223-231. [PMID: 38198234 DOI: 10.1111/plb.13612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics pollution of agricultural soil is a global environmental concern because of its potential risk to food security and human health. Although many studies have tested the direct effects of microplastics on growth of Eruca sativa Mill., little is known about whether these effects are regulated by fertilization and weed competition in field management practices. Here, we performed a greenhouse experiment growing E. sativa as target species in a three-factorial design with two levels of fertilization (low versus. high), two levels of weed competition treatments (weed competition versus no weed competition) and five levels of microplastic treatments (no microplastics, Polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate [PBAT], Polybutylene succinate [PBS], Polycaprolactone [PCL] or Polypropylene [PP]). Compared to the soil without microplastics, PBS and PCL reduced aboveground biomass and leaf number of the E. sativa. PBS also resulted in increased root allocation and thicker roots in E. sativa. In addition, fertilization significantly mitigated the negative effects of PBS and PCL on aboveground biomass of E. sativa, but weed competition significantly promoted these effects. Although fertilization alleviated the negative effect of PBS on aboveground biomass, such alleviation became weaker under weed competition than when E. sativa grew alone. The results indicate that the effects of specific polymer types on E. sativa growth could be regulated by fertilization, weed management, and even their interactions. Therefore, reasonable on-farm management practices may help in mitigating the negative effects of microplastics pollution on E. sativa growth in agricultural fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Ma
- Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130102, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Y Fu
- Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130102, China
| | - Y Liu
- Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130102, China
- Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
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5
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Abstract
Understanding the effects of plastic pollution in terrestrial ecosystems is a priority in environmental research. A central aspect of this suite of pollutants is that it entails particles, in addition to chemical compounds, and this makes plastic quite different from the vast majority of chemical environmental pollutants. Particles can be habitats for microbial communities, and plastics can be a source of chemical compounds that are released into the surrounding environment. In the aquatic literature, the term 'plastisphere' has been coined to refer to the microbial community colonizing plastic debris; here, we use a definition that also includes the immediate soil environment of these particles to align the definition with other concepts in soil microbiology. First, we highlight major differences in the plastisphere between aquatic and soil ecosystems, then we review what is currently known about the soil plastisphere, including the members of the microbial community that are enriched, and the possible mechanisms underpinning this selection. Then, we focus on outlining future prospects for research on the soil plastisphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias C Rillig
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), Berlin, Germany.
| | - Shin Woong Kim
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), Berlin, Germany
| | - Yong-Guan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China
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6
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Chen X, Zheng X, Fu W, Liu A, Wang W, Wang G, Ji J, Guan C. Microplastics reduced bioavailability and altered toxicity of phenanthrene to maize (Zea mays L.) through modulating rhizosphere microbial community and maize growth. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 345:140444. [PMID: 37839745 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140444] [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: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Due to its large specific surface area and great hydrophobicity, microplastics can adsorb polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), affecting the bioavailability and the toxicity of PAHs to plants. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of D550 and D250 (with diameters of 550 μm and 250 μm) microplastics on phenanthrene (PHE) removal from soil and PHE accumulation in maize (Zea mays L.). Moreover, the effects of microplastics on rhizosphere microbial community of maize grown in PHE-contaminated soil would also be determined. The results showed that D550 and D250 microplastics decreased the removal of PHE from soil by 6.5% and 2.7% and significantly reduced the accumulation of PHE in maize leaves by 64.9% and 88.5%. Interestingly, D550 microplastics promoted the growth of maize and enhanced the activities of soil protease and alkaline phosphatase, while D250 microplastics significantly inhibited the growth of maize and decreased the activities of soil invertase, alkaline phosphatase and catalase, in comparison with PHE treatment. In addition, microplastics changed the rhizosphere soil microbial community and reduced the relative abundance of PAHs degrading bacteria (Pseudomonas, Massilia, Proteobacteria), which might further inhibit the removal of PHE from soil. This study provided a new perspective for evaluating the role of microplastics on the bioavailability of PHE to plants and revealing the combined toxicity of microplastics and PHE to soil microcosm and plant growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiancao Chen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Xiaoyan Zheng
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Wenting Fu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Anran Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Wenjing Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Gang Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Jing Ji
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Chunfeng Guan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300072, China.
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7
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Salam M, Zheng H, Liu Y, Zaib A, Rehman SAU, Riaz N, Eliw M, Hayat F, Li H, Wang F. Effects of micro(nano)plastics on soil nutrient cycling: State of the knowledge. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 344:118437. [PMID: 37343476 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
The ecological impacts of micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) have attracted attention worldwide because of their global occurrence, persistence, and environmental risks. Increasing evidence shows that MNPs can affect soil nutrient cycling, but the latest advances on this topic have not systematically reviewed. Here, we aim to present the state of knowledge about the effects of MNPs on soil nutrient cycling, particularly of C, N, and P. Using the latest data, the present review mainly focuses on three aspects, including (1) the effects and underlying mechanisms of MNPs on soil nutrient cycling, particularly of C, N and P, (2) the factors influencing the effects of MNPs on soil nutrient cycling, and (3) the knowledge gaps and future directions. We conclude that MNPs can alter soil nutrient cycling via mediating soil nutrient availability, soil enzyme activities, functional microbial communities, and their potential ecological functions. Furthermore, the effects of MNPs vary with MNPs characteristics (i.e., polymeric type, size, dosage, and shape), chemical additives, soil physicochemical conditions, and soil biota. Considering the complexity of MNP-soil interactions, multi-scale experiments using environmental relevant MNPs are required to shed light on the effects of MNPs on soil nutrients. By learning how MNPs influence soil nutrients cycles, this review can guide policy and management decisions to safeguard soil health and ensure sustainable agriculture and land use practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Salam
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment of Three Gorges Region, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Huaili Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment of Three Gorges Region, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Yingying Liu
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266042, China
| | - Aneeqa Zaib
- Department of Environmental Science, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Syed Aziz Ur Rehman
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 54000, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Nimra Riaz
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 54000, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Moataz Eliw
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt
| | - Faisal Hayat
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China
| | - Hong Li
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Environment of Three Gorges Region, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China.
| | - Fayuan Wang
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266042, China.
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Giambalvo D, Amato G, Ingraffia R, Lo Porto A, Mirabile G, Ruisi P, Torta L, Frenda AS. Nitrogen fertilization and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi do not mitigate the adverse effects of soil contamination with polypropylene microfibers on maize growth. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 334:122146. [PMID: 37419209 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Soil contamination with microplastics may adversely affect soil properties and functions and consequently crop productivity. In this study, we wanted to verify whether the adverse effects of microplastics in the soil on maize plants (Zea mays L.) are due to a reduction in nitrogen (N) availability and a reduced capacity to establish symbiotic relationships with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. To do this, we performed a pot experiment in which a clayey soil was exposed to two environmentally relevant concentrations of polypropylene (PP; one of the most used plastic materials) microfibers (0.4% and 0.8% w/w) with or without the addition of N fertilizer and with or without inoculation with AM fungi. The experiment began after the soil had been incubated at 23 °C for 5 months. Soil contamination with PP considerably reduced maize root and shoot biomass, leaf area, N uptake, and N content in tissue. The adverse effects increased with the concentration of PP in the soil. Adding N to the soil did not alleviate the detrimental effects of PP on plant growth, which suggests that other factors besides N availability played a major role. Similarly, although the presence of PP did not inhibit root colonization by AM fungi (no differences were observed for this trait between the uncontaminated and PP-contaminated soils), the addition of the fungal inoculum to the soil failed to mitigate the negative impact of PP on maize growth. Quite the opposite: mycorrhization further reduced maize root biomass accumulation. Undoubtedly, much research remains to be done to shed light on the mechanisms involved in determining plant behavior in microplastic-contaminated soils, which are most likely complex. This research is a priority given the magnitude of this contamination and its potential implications for human and environmental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Giambalvo
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gaetano Amato
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - Rosolino Ingraffia
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Antonella Lo Porto
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giulia Mirabile
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - Paolo Ruisi
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - Livio Torta
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alfonso S Frenda
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128, Palermo, Italy
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9
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Bostan N, Ilyas N, Akhtar N, Mehmood S, Saman RU, Sayyed RZ, Shatid AA, Alfaifi MY, Elbehairi SEI, Pandiaraj S. Toxicity assessment of microplastic (MPs); a threat to the ecosystem. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 234:116523. [PMID: 37422115 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
Plastic is now considered part and parcel of daily life due to its extensive usage. Microplastic (MP) pollution is becoming a growing worry and has been ranked as the second most critical scientific problem in the realm of ecology and the environment. Microplastics are smaller in size than the plastic and are more harmful to biotic and as well as abiotic environments. The toxicity of microplastic depends upon its shape and size and increases with an increase in its adsorption capacity and their toxicity. The reason behind their harmful nature is their small size and their large surface area-to-volume ratio. Microplastic can get inside fruits, vegetables, seeds, roots, culms, and leaves. Hence microplastic enters into the food chain. There are different entry points for microplastic to enter into the food chain. Such sources can include polluted food, beverages, spices, plastic toys, and household (packing, cooking, etc.). The concentration of microplastic in terrestrial environments is increasing day by day. Microplastic causes the destruction of soil structure; destroys soil microbiota, cause depletion of nutrients in the soil, and their absorption by plants decreases plant growth. Apart from other environmental problems caused by microplastic, human health is also badly affected by microplastic pollution present in the terrestrial environment. The presence of microplastics in the human body has been confirmed. Microplastic enters into the body of humans in different possible ways. According to their way of entering the body, microplastics cause different diseases in humans. MPs also cause negative effects on the human endocrine system. At the ecosystem level, the impacts of microplastic are interconnected and can disrupt ecological processes. Although recently different papers have been published on several aspects of the microplastic present in the terrestrial environment but there is no complete overview that focus on the interrelationship of MPs in plants, and soil and their effect on higher animals like a human. This review provides a completely detailed overview of existing knowledge about sources, occurrences, transport, and effects of microplastic on the food chain and soil quality and their ecotoxicological effects on plants and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nageen Bostan
- Department of Botany, PMAS Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, 46300, Pakistan.
| | - Noshin Ilyas
- Department of Botany, PMAS Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, 46300, Pakistan.
| | - Nosheen Akhtar
- Department of Botany, PMAS Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, 46300, Pakistan.
| | - Sabiha Mehmood
- Department of Botany, PMAS Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, 46300, Pakistan.
| | - Rafia Urooj Saman
- Department of Botany University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan.
| | - R Z Sayyed
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, INTI International University, 71800, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.
| | - Ali A Shatid
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, 9004, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mohammad Y Alfaifi
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, 9004, Saudi Arabia.
| | | | - Saravanan Pandiaraj
- Department of Self-Development Skills, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia.
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10
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Ivy N, Bhattacharya S, Dey S, Gupta K, Dey A, Sharma P. Effects of microplastics and arsenic on plants: Interactions, toxicity and environmental implications. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 338:139542. [PMID: 37474031 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are emerging pollutants that are ubiquitously present in environment. Occurrence and dispersion of microplastics in the soil can pose a considerable risk to soil health and biodiversity, including the plants grown in the soil. Uptake and bioaccumulation of microplastics can have detrimental effects on different plant species. Additionally, the co-presence of microplastics and arsenic can cause synergistic, antagonistic, or potentiating toxic impacts on plants. However, limited studies are available on the combined effects of microplastics and arsenic on plants. This paper elucidates both the individual and synergistic effects of microplastics and arsenic on plants. At the outset, the paper highlighted the presence and degradation of microplastics in soil. Subsequently, the interactions between microplastics and plants, accumulation, and influences of microplastics on plant growth and metabolism were explained with underlying mechanisms. Combined effects of microplastics and arsenic on plant growth, metabolism, and toxicity were discussed thereafter. Combined toxic effects of microplastics and arsenic on plants can have detrimental implications on environment, ecosystems and biodiversity. Further investigations on food chain and human health are needed in the context of microplastic-arsenic interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishita Ivy
- School of Ecology and Environment Studies, Nalanda University, Rajgir, Bihar, India
| | - Sayan Bhattacharya
- School of Ecology and Environment Studies, Nalanda University, Rajgir, Bihar, India.
| | - Satarupa Dey
- Department of Botany, Shyampur Siddheswari Mahavidyalaya, Howrah, West Bengal, India
| | - Kaushik Gupta
- Belur High School (H.S.), Howrah, West Bengal, India
| | - Abhijit Dey
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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11
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Yang M, Tian X, Guo Z, Chang C, Li J, Guo Z, Li H, Liu R, Wang R, Li Q, Zou X. Wind erosion induced low-density microplastics migration at landscape scale in a semi-arid region of northern China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 871:162068. [PMID: 36754315 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have been extensively investigated in terrestrial environments, while the occurrence and movement of MPs at the landscape scale in semi-arid regions with serious wind erosion are less well studied. Here, we sampled film mulching farmland and downwind nearby grassland surface soils in a semi-arid region of northern China to explore the distribution of MPs at different downwind distances and the potential environmental risk to the local landscapes. The results revealed that the MP abundances presented a decreasing trend with increasing downwind distance (Mann-Kendall test, P < 0.01). The MP size distributions at different distances showed similar sigmoid trends described by logistic models. MP fiber size (500-2000 μm) abundance in the farmland was higher than that of the grassland. By contrast, MP non-fiber size (<1000 μm) abundance of farmlands was less than that of the grassland. The abundances of fibers larger than 500 μm and non-fibers larger than 1000 μm in size decreased exponentially with increasing downwind distance. The size of transported MPs at the landscape scale was larger than that of long-distance dispersal. The migration of MPs from farmlands can pose a potential threat to the downwind landscape, leading the downwind grassland to be a potential MP emission source. This study presents the first insights into the MPs distribution among different downwind distances at the landscape scale. Future research is required to deploy aeolian sediment sampling devices and establish the connection between the field data and the MP emission models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiniu Yang
- School of Geographical Sciences/Hebei Key Laboratory of Environmental Change and Ecological Construction/Hebei Technology Innovation Center for Remote Sensing Identification of Environmental Change, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, China
| | - Xia Tian
- School of Geographical Sciences/Hebei Key Laboratory of Environmental Change and Ecological Construction/Hebei Technology Innovation Center for Remote Sensing Identification of Environmental Change, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, China
| | - Zhongling Guo
- School of Geographical Sciences/Hebei Key Laboratory of Environmental Change and Ecological Construction/Hebei Technology Innovation Center for Remote Sensing Identification of Environmental Change, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, China.
| | - Chunping Chang
- School of Geographical Sciences/Hebei Key Laboratory of Environmental Change and Ecological Construction/Hebei Technology Innovation Center for Remote Sensing Identification of Environmental Change, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, China.
| | - Jifeng Li
- School of Geographical Sciences/Hebei Key Laboratory of Environmental Change and Ecological Construction/Hebei Technology Innovation Center for Remote Sensing Identification of Environmental Change, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, China
| | - Zixiao Guo
- School of Geographical Sciences/Hebei Key Laboratory of Environmental Change and Ecological Construction/Hebei Technology Innovation Center for Remote Sensing Identification of Environmental Change, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, China
| | - Huiru Li
- School of Geographical Sciences/Hebei Key Laboratory of Environmental Change and Ecological Construction/Hebei Technology Innovation Center for Remote Sensing Identification of Environmental Change, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, China
| | - Ruijuan Liu
- School of Geographical Sciences/Hebei Key Laboratory of Environmental Change and Ecological Construction/Hebei Technology Innovation Center for Remote Sensing Identification of Environmental Change, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, China
| | - Rende Wang
- Institute of Geographical Sciences, Hebei Academy Sciences/Hebei Engineering Research Center for Geographic Information Application, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, China
| | - Qing Li
- Institute of Geographical Sciences, Hebei Academy Sciences/Hebei Engineering Research Center for Geographic Information Application, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, China
| | - Xueyong Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, MOE Engineering Center of Desertification and Blown-sand Control, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
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12
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Tang KHD. Microplastics in agricultural soils in China: Sources, impacts and solutions. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 322:121235. [PMID: 36754198 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The detection of microplastics (MPs) in agricultural soils has raised alarms on their potential impacts on agricultural production, particularly in China where agriculture has great importance for domestic consumption and export. This review aims to present the abundance, sources and impacts of MPs in the agricultural soils of China. It has the novelty of synthesizing sustainable agronomic practices to reduce MPs pollution of agricultural soils based on the sources identified. According to the extant study, the abundance of MPs in the agricultural soils in China ranged from 4.94 items/kg in the lower reaches of Yangtze River to 40,800 items/kg in Yunnan Province. The MPs were predominantly ≤1 mm and were mainly composed of fragments, films and fibers. Polyethylene and polypropylene MPs were most reported. Plastic mulching films were the most significant source of MPs in agricultural soils, followed by abandoned greenhouses and the use of organic fertilizers containing fugitive MPs or whose sources were often MPs-polluted. MPs were found to alter soil physicochemical properties for instance, water flow, water-stable aggregates, soil aggregation, soil pH, bulk density and nutrient contents. MPs also affect soil biota through changing the richness and diversity of soil microbial community while retarding growth and disrupting physiological functions of soil macrofauna. The effects of MPs on crops vary and range from alteration of biomass, metabolism and nutrient demands to impacted photosynthesis. Sustainable solutions include the use of grass clippings - straw mix as organic mulches, the use of compost as soil amendment in conjunction with grass-straw mix and incorporation of weed-suppressing biomass into compost, the use of jute and biodegradable plastics for greenhouses, proper decommissioning of abandoned greenhouses as well as setting standards for allowable MPs contents in organic fertilizers and irrigation water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuok Ho Daniel Tang
- Department of Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA.
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13
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Yao Y, Wang L, Gong L, Li G, Xiu W, Yang X, Tan B, Zhao J, Zhang G. Differences, links, and roles of microbial and stoichiometric factors in microplastic distribution: A case study of five typical rice cropping regions in China. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:985239. [PMID: 36118223 PMCID: PMC9478377 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.985239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), as new pollutants in agroecosystems, have already attracted widespread attention from scientists. However, our understanding of MP geographic distribution and its influencing factors across spatial scales remains poor. Here, a regional-scale field investigation was conducted to assess the distribution characteristic of MPs in five major rice-growing regions of China, and we explored the roles of biological and abiotic factors, especially stoichiometry and microbial influences on MP distribution. MPs were observed in all sampling sites, averaging 6,390 ± 2,031 items⋅kg–1. Sizes less than 0.5 mm and black and transparent MPs dominated. Fiber, classified as one of the MP shapes, occurred most frequently. MP community analysis, firstly used in paddy soil, revealed more black MPs abundance in Henan (HE), more rayon, blue, and other colors MPs in Hunan (HN), more transparent MPs in Tianjing (TJ), and more PE MPs in Heilongjiang (DB). Higher MP community diversity was found in most south paddy soils of this study, due to a broader range of sources. C/N showed a positive relationship with pellet-shaped MP abundance and MPs of size between 2 and 5 mm (P < 0.05). Chao1 index of soil microbial communities was positively correlated with the MP abundance, MPs of size less than 0.5 mm, and fiber abundance. The minimum temperature was positively correlated with MP abundance (P < 0.05), implying the potential effects of the freeze-thaw process might exist. The regression analysis highlighted the important role of population quantity in determining MP abundance (R = 0.421, P = 0.02). This study confirmed the wide distribution of MPs in different soil depths of paddy lands in China and demonstrated that its distribution was influenced by population quantity and environmental variables, such as microbiology. These findings could provide a basis for the toxicological behavior of MPs and the potential risk to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Yao
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tianjin, China
| | - Lili Wang
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tianjin, China
- *Correspondence: Lili Wang,
| | - Lingxuan Gong
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tianjin, China
| | - Gang Li
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tianjin, China
| | - Weiming Xiu
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaomei Yang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Bingchang Tan
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tianjin, China
| | - Jianning Zhao
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tianjin, China
| | - Guilong Zhang
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tianjin, China
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14
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Chen QL, Hu HW, Zhu D, Zhu YG, He JZ. Calling for comprehensive explorations between soil invertebrates and arbuscular mycorrhizas. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 27:793-801. [PMID: 35351359 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2022.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and soil invertebrates represent a large proportion of total soil biomass and biodiversity and are vital for plant performance, soil structure, and biogeochemical cycling. However, the role of soil invertebrates in AM fungi development remains elusive. In this opinion article, we summarize the ecological importance of AM fungi and soil invertebrates in the plant-soil continuum and highlight the effects of soil invertebrates on AM fungal hyphae development and functioning. In a context of global change, we envision that better mechanistic understanding of the complex feedback via chemical signaling pathways across the interactions between soil invertebrates and AM fungi is critical to predict their ecological consequences and will open new avenues for promoting ecosystem resilience and sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Lin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, China; Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Hang-Wei Hu
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | - Dong Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, China
| | - Yong-Guan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, China
| | - Ji-Zheng He
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
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15
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Nematollahi MJ, Keshavarzi B, Mohit F, Moore F, Busquets R. Microplastic occurrence in urban and industrial soils of Ahvaz metropolis: A city with a sustained record of air pollution. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 819:152051. [PMID: 34856279 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates, for the first time, the concentration, distribution, fate and chemical composition of microplastics (MPs) in urban and industrial soils of Ahvaz metropolis, SW Iran. MP concentrations ranged from 100 to 3135 and 80 to1220 unit·kg-1 in urban and industrial soils, respectively, with corresponding means of 619 and 390 unit·kg-1. The most contaminated urban sites were located in the city center. Precisely these areas were affected by insufficient sanitation infrastructure including sewer systems, surface runoff collection and sewage treatment, and also high traffic loading in a commercial zone. MPs were found in various shapes, colours and sizes. In particular, microfibres (white-transparent and < 250 μm) were the most abundant MPs found in urban (70%) and industrial (55%) soils. Based on the weathering observed in the MPs, a large number of them originated from the fragmentation of other plastics and could have been photobleached. Polyethylene terephthalate and nylon were the dominant polymers in the MPs found in both industrial and urban soils and they could originate from textiles and tyres.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Behnam Keshavarzi
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Sciences, Shiraz University, 71454 Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Fatemeh Mohit
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Sciences, Shiraz University, 71454 Shiraz, Iran
| | - Farid Moore
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Sciences, Shiraz University, 71454 Shiraz, Iran
| | - Rosa Busquets
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy, and Chemistry, Kingston University, Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE, UK
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16
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Wang F, Wang Q, Adams CA, Sun Y, Zhang S. Effects of microplastics on soil properties: Current knowledge and future perspectives. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 424:127531. [PMID: 34740160 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 96.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are a type of emerging contaminants that pose a potential threat to global terrestrial ecosystems, including agroecosystems. In recent years, MPs in soil and their adverse effects on soil health and fertility have attracted increasing concern. Based on the current knowledge, this review begins with a summary of the occurrence and characteristics of MPs in various soil environments, and then highlights the impacts of MPs on soil physical, chemical, and microbiological properties. Data show that MPs occur widely in all surveyed soil types, such as agricultural soils, industrial soils, urban soils, and unused soils, but show variation in their abundance, type, shape, and size. In most cases, MPs can change soil physical, chemical, and microbiological properties, but the effects vary, and are dependent on polymer type, shape, dose, and size. MPs-induced changes in soil fertility and the availability of pollutants may pose a potential threat to plant performance and crop productivity and safety. Particularly, MPs influence the emission of greenhouse gases from soil, ultimately leading to uncertain consequences for global climate change. More comprehensive and in-depth studies are required to fill large knowledge gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fayuan Wang
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266042, PR China.
| | - Quanlong Wang
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266042, PR China
| | - Catharine A Adams
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA
| | - Yuhuan Sun
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266042, PR China
| | - Shuwu Zhang
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266042, PR China
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17
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Riveros G, Urrutia H, Araya J, Zagal E, Schoebitz M. Microplastic pollution on the soil and its consequences on the nitrogen cycle: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:7997-8011. [PMID: 34825330 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17681-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) correspond to plastics between 0.1 μm and 5 mm in diameter, and these can be intentionally manufactured to be microscopic or generated from the fragmentation of larger plastics. Currently, MP contamination is a complicated subject due to its accumulation in the environment. They are a novel surface and a source of nutrients in soils because MPs can serve as a substrate for the colonization of microorganisms. Its presence in soil triggers physical (stability of aggregates, soil bulk density, and water dynamics), chemical (nutrients availability, organic matter, and pH), and biological changes (microbial activity and soil fauna). All these changes alter organic matter degradation and biogeochemical cycles such as the nitrogen (N) cycle, which is a key predictor of ecological stability and management in the terrestrial ecosystem. This review aims to explore how MPs affect the N cycle in the soil, the techniques to detect it in soil, and their effects on the physicochemical and biological parameters, emphasizing the impact on the main bacterial groups, genes, and enzymes associated with the different stages of the N cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Riveros
- Department of Soil Science and Natural Resources, Faculty of Agronomy, University of Concepcion, P.O. Box 160 C, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Homero Urrutia
- Laboratory of Biofilms and Environmental Microbiology, Center of Biotechnology, University of Concepción, Barrio Universitario s/n, Concepción, Chile
| | - Juan Araya
- Department of Instrumental Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Erick Zagal
- Department of Soil Science and Natural Resources, Faculty of Agronomy, University of Concepcion, P.O. Box 160 C, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Mauricio Schoebitz
- Department of Soil Science and Natural Resources, Faculty of Agronomy, University of Concepcion, P.O. Box 160 C, Concepcion, Chile.
- Laboratory of Biofilms and Environmental Microbiology, Center of Biotechnology, University of Concepción, Barrio Universitario s/n, Concepción, Chile.
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18
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Li H, Liu L, Xu Y, Zhang J. Microplastic effects on soil system parameters: a meta-analysis study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:11027-11038. [PMID: 35013952 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-18034-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are generally considered as an emerging contaminant in the environment due to their toxic additives and transport of other contaminants. However, the potential threats of microplastics in soil should be concerned due to inconsistent research results. In this study, a meta-analysis based on 32 recent relevant studies was conducted to compare the response of soil system parameters including microbial community, aggregate structure, soil nutrient contents, and crop growth to the presence of microplastics. The results showed that microplastics presented no significant effects on soil dissolved organic carbon contents and the amounts of available phosphate, nitrate, and ammonium. Although microplastics would not significantly influence the diversity of soil microorganisms, they could significantly increase soil microorganism amounts with a standard mean difference at 19.32. We also found that microplastics tended to significantly decrease soil water stable macro-aggregate (> 0.25 mm) contents with a significantly negative standard mean difference (- 0.90) in meta-analysis. Moreover, soil microplastics seemed not to affect crop growth by having non-significant effects on both crop under-ground and above-ground biomasses. These results indicate that up to date, the main negative impacts caused by microplastics on soil systems could be their negative functions on soil aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixiao Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hubei Polytechnic University, Hubei, 435003, Huangshi, China.
| | - Le Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of Soils and Agri-Food Engineering, Laval University, Paul Comtois Bldg., Quebec City, QC, G1K 7P4, Canada
| | - Junyang Zhang
- Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, 215123, China
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19
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Lozano YM, Rillig MC. Legacy effect of microplastics on plant-soil feedbacks. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:965576. [PMID: 36003804 PMCID: PMC9393594 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.965576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics affect plants and soil biota and the processes they drive. However, the legacy effect of microplastics on plant-soil feedbacks is still unknown. To address this, we used soil conditioned from a previous experiment, where Daucus carota grew with 12 different microplastic types (conditioning phase). Here, we extracted soil inoculum from those 12 soils and grew during 4 weeks a native D. carota and a range-expanding plant species Calamagrostis epigejos in soils amended with this inoculum (feedback phase). At harvest, plant biomass and root morphological traits were measured. Films led to positive feedback on shoot mass (higher mass with inoculum from soil conditioned with microplastics than with inoculum from control soil). Films may decrease soil water content in the conditioning phase, potentially reducing the abundance of harmful soil biota, which, with films also promoting mutualist abundance, microbial activity and carbon mineralization, would positively affect plant growth in the feedback phase. Foams and fragments caused positive feedback on shoot mass likely via positive effects on soil aeration in the conditioning phase, which could have increased mutualistic biota and soil enzymatic activity, promoting plant growth. By contrast, fibers caused negative feedback on root mass as this microplastic may have increased soil water content in the conditioning phase, promoting the abundance of soil pathogens with negative consequences for root mass. Microplastics had a legacy effect on root traits: D. carota had thicker roots probably for promoting mycorrhizal associations, while C. epigejos had reduced root diameter probably for diminishing pathogenic infection. Microplastic legacy on soil can be positive or negative depending on the plant species identity and may affect plant biomass primarily via root traits. This legacy may contribute to the competitive success of range-expanding species via positive effects on root mass (foams) and on shoot mass (PET films). Overall, microplastics depending on their shape and polymer type, affect plant-soil feedbacks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudi M. Lozano
- Plant Ecology, Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Yudi M. Lozano,
| | - Matthias C. Rillig
- Plant Ecology, Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), Berlin, Germany
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20
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Abda EM, Muleta A, Tafesse M, Prabhu SV, Aemro A. Recent endeavors in microbial remediation of micro- and nanoplastics. PHYSICAL SCIENCES REVIEWS 2021. [DOI: 10.1515/psr-2021-0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Petrochemical plastics are frequently utilized in our daily lives for various purposes such as packaging and transportation, but their burden on the environment is considered one of the most man-made pollution crises. These pollutants are slowly fragmented in the environment into microplastics and nanoplastics by consolidated actions of abiotic and biotic factors. Microplastics and nanoplastics can easily be dispersed in the atmosphere and be harmful to all kinds of life. As a result, the remediation of micro- and nanoplastics has recently received a tremendous research impetus in the realm of an ecologically benign approach, notably microbial-based remediation. Thus, the current article looks at the formation, properties, analysis, and biological effects of micro- and nanoplastics. The content is then streamlined towards a comprehensive discussion on microbial-mediated degradation of microplastics and nanoplastics, with an emphasis on front-line bacteria and enzymes, as well as remediation mechanisms. Further, technologies for the removal of microplastics and nanoplastics from the environment are presented for possible remedial considerations. An attempt is also made to highlight the practical snags of microbial plastic degradation while aiming to alleviate the environmental burden of plastic waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebrahim M. Abda
- Department of Biotechnology , Addis Ababa Science and Technology University , P.O. Box 16417, Akaki Kality , Addis Ababa , Ethiopia
- Centre of Excellence- Biotechnology and Bioprocessing, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University , P.O. Box 16417, Akaki Kality , Addis Ababa , Ethiopia
| | - Atsede Muleta
- Department of Biology , University of Gondar , P.O. Box 196 , Gondar , Ethiopia
| | - Mesfin Tafesse
- Department of Biotechnology , Addis Ababa Science and Technology University , P.O. Box 16417, Akaki Kality , Addis Ababa , Ethiopia
- Centre of Excellence- Biotechnology and Bioprocessing, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University , P.O. Box 16417, Akaki Kality , Addis Ababa , Ethiopia
| | - Sundramurthy Venkatesa Prabhu
- Department of Chemical Engineering , Addis Ababa Science and Technology University , P.O. Box 16417, Akaki Kality , Addis Ababa , Ethiopia
| | - Afework Aemro
- Department of Environmental Engineering , Addis Ababa Science and Technology University , P.O. Box 16417, Akaki Kality , Addis Ababa , Ethiopia
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21
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Agathokleous E, Iavicoli I, Barceló D, Calabrese EJ. Micro/nanoplastics effects on organisms: A review focusing on 'dose'. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 417:126084. [PMID: 34229388 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have become predominant contaminants, attracting much political and scientific attention. Despite the massively-increasing research on microplastics effects on organisms, the debate of whether environmental concentrations pose hazard and risk continues. This study critically reviews published literatures of microplastics effects on organisms within the context of "dose". It provides substantial evidence of the common occurrence of threshold and hormesis dose responses of numerous aquatic and terrestrial organisms to microplastics. This finding along with accumulated evidence indicating the capacity of organisms for recovery suggests that the linear-no-threshold model is biologically irrelevant and should not serve as a default model for assessing the microplastics risks. The published literature does not provide sufficient evidence supporting the general conclusion that environmental doses of microplastics cause adverse effects on individual organisms. Instead, doses that are smaller than the dose of toxicological threshold and more likely to occur in the environment may even induce positive effects, although the ecological implications of these responses remain unknown. This study also shows that low doses of microplastics can reduce whereas high doses can increase the negative effects of other pollutants. The mechanisms explaining these findings are discussed, providing a novel perspective for evaluating the risks of microplastics in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenios Agathokleous
- Key Laboratory of Agrometeorology of Jiangsu Province, Department of Ecology, School of Applied Meteorology, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology (NUIST), Nanjing 210044, China.
| | - Ivo Iavicoli
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Damià Barceló
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, C/ Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; Catalan Institute for Water Research, ICRA-CERCA, Emili Grahit 101, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Edward J Calabrese
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Morrill I, N344, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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Agathokleous E, Iavicoli I, Barceló D, Calabrese EJ. Ecological risks in a 'plastic' world: A threat to biological diversity? JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 417:126035. [PMID: 33992919 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics pollution is predicted to increase in the coming decades, raising concerns about its effects on living organisms. Although the effects of microplastics on individual organisms have been extensively studied, the effects on communities, biological diversity, and ecosystems remain underexplored. This paper reviews the published literature concerning how microplastics affect communities, biological diversity, and ecosystem processes. Microplastics increase the abundance of some taxa but decrease the abundance of some other taxa, indicating trade-offs among taxa and altered microbial community composition in both the natural environment and animals' gut. The alteration of community composition by microplastics is highly conserved across taxonomic ranks, while the alpha diversity of microbiota is often reduced or increased, depending on the microplastics dose and environmental conditions, suggesting potential threats to biodiversity. Biogeochemical cycles, greenhouse gas fluxes, and atmospheric chemistry, can also be altered by microplastics pollution. These findings suggest that microplastics may impact the U.N. Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) to improve atmospheric, soil, and water quality and sustaining biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenios Agathokleous
- Key Laboratory of Agrometeorology of Jiangsu Province, Department of Ecology, School of Applied Meteorology, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology (NUIST), Nanjing 210044, China.
| | - Ivo Iavicoli
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Damià Barceló
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, C/ Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; Catalan Institute for Water Research, ICRA-CERCA, Emili Grahit 101, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Edward J Calabrese
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Morrill I, N344, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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