1
|
Yan Y, Yang H, Du Y, Li X, Li X. Effects and molecular mechanisms of polyethylene microplastic oxidation on wheat grain quality. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 474:134816. [PMID: 38850928 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134816] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Polyethylene microplastics (PE MPs) are the main MPs in agricultural soils and undergo oxidation upon environmental exposure. However, the influence of MP oxidation on phytotoxicity (especially for crop fruit) is still limited. This study aimed to explore the effect of PE MP oxidation on crop toxicity. Herein, a combination of plant phenotyping, metabolomic, and transcriptomic approaches was used to evaluate the effects of low-oxidation PE (LOPE) and high-oxidation PE (HOPE) on wheat growth, grain quality, and related molecular mechanisms using pot experiments. The results showed that HOPE induced a stronger inhibition of wheat growth and reduction in protein content and mineral elements than LOPE. This was accompanied by root ultrastructural damage and downregulation of carbohydrate metabolism, translation, nutrient reservoir activity, and metal ion binding gene expression. Compared with HOPE, LOPE activated a stronger plant defense response by reducing the starch content by 22.87 %, increasing soluble sugar content by 44.93 %, and upregulating antioxidant enzyme genes and crucial metabolic pathways (e.g., starch and sucrose, linoleic acid, and phenylalanine metabolism). The presence of PE MPs in the environment exacerbates crop growth inhibition and fruit quality deterioration, highlighting the need to consider the environmental and food safety implications of MPs in agricultural soils.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yan
- School of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Huijie Yang
- School of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Yuan Du
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Li
- School of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Xiaokang Li
- School of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ren F, Huang J, Yang Y. Unveiling the impact of microplastics and nanoplastics on vascular plants: A cellular metabolomic and transcriptomic review. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 279:116490. [PMID: 38795417 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116490] [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: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
With increasing plastic manufacture and consumption, microplastics/nanoplastics (MP/NP) pollution has become one of the world's pressing global environmental issues, which poses significant threats to ecosystems and human health. In recent years, sharp increasing researches have confirmed that MP/NP had direct or indirect effects on vegetative growth and sexual process of vascular plant. But the potential mechanisms remain ambiguous. MP/NP particles can be adsorbed and/or absorbed by plant roots or leaves and thus cause diverse effects on plant. This holistic review aims to discuss the direct effects of MP/NP on vascular plant, with special emphasis on the changes of metabolic and molecular levels. MP/NP can alter substance and energy metabolism, as well as shifts in gene expression patterns. Key aspects affected by MP/NP stress include carbon and nitrogen metabolism, amino acids biosynthesis and plant hormone signal transduction, expression of stress related genes, carbon and nitrogen metabolism related genes, as well as those involved in pathogen defense. Additionally, the review provides updated insights into the growth and physiological responses of plants exposed to MP/NP, encompassing phenomena such as seed/spore germination, photosynthesis, oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity. By examining the direct impact of MP/NP from both physiological and molecular perspectives, this review sets the stage for future investigations into the complex interactions between plants and plastic pollutants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fugang Ren
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China; College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-construction for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Vocal Performance, Sichuan Conservatory of Music, Chengdu 610021, China
| | - Yongqing Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gao W, Wu D, Zhang D, Geng Z, Tong M, Duan Y, Xia W, Chu J, Yao X. Comparative analysis of the effects of microplastics and nitrogen on maize and wheat: Growth, redox homeostasis, photosynthesis, and AsA-GSH cycle. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 932:172555. [PMID: 38677420 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172555] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pose a significant threat to the function of agro-ecosystems. At present, research on MPs has mainly focused on the effects of different concentrations or types of MPs on a crop, while ignoring other environmental factors. In agricultural production, the application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer is an important means to maintain the high yield of crops. The effects of MPs and N on growth parameters, photosynthetic system, active oxygen metabolism, nutrient content, and ascorbate-glutathione (AsA-GSH) cycle of maize and wheat were studied in order to explicit whether N addition could effectively alleviate the effects of MPs on maize and wheat. The results showed that MPs inhibited the plant height of both maize and wheat, and MPs effects on physiological traits of maize were more severe than those of wheat, reflecting in reactive oxygen metabolism and restriction of photosynthetic capacity. Under the condition of N supply, AsA-GSH cycle of two plants has different response strategies to MPs: Maize promoted enzyme activity and co-accumulation of AsA and GSH, while wheat tended to consume AsA and accumulate GSH. N application induced slight oxidative stress on maize, which was manifested as an increase in hydrogen peroxide and malonaldehyde contents, and activities of polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase. The antioxidant capacity of maize treated with the combination of MPs + N was better than that treated with N or MPs alone. N could effectively alleviate the adverse effects of MPs on wheat by improving the antioxidant capacity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wang Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Dengyun Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Zixin Geng
- School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Mengting Tong
- School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Yusui Duan
- School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Wansheng Xia
- School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Jianzhou Chu
- School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China.
| | - Xiaoqin Yao
- School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China; Institute of Life Sciences and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China; Key Laboratory of Microbial Diversity Research and Application of Hebei Province, Baoding 071002, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Liu Y, Li S, Wang L, Zhang P, Liu T, Li X. Temperature fluctuation in soil alters the nanoplastic sensitivity in wheat. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 929:172626. [PMID: 38657823 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172626] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Despite the wide acknowledgment that plastic pollution and global warming have become serious agricultural concerns, their combined impact on crop growth remains poorly understood. Given the unabated megatrend, a simulated soil warming (SWT, +4 °C) microcosm experiment was carried out to provide a better understanding of the effects of temperature fluctuations on wheat seedlings exposed to nanoplastics (NPs, 1 g L-1 61.71 ± 0.31 nm polystyrene). It was documented that SWT induced oxidative stress in wheat seedlings grown in NPs-contaminated soil, with an 85.56 % increase in root activity, while decreasing plant height, fresh weight, and leaf area by 8.72 %, 47.68 %, and 15.04 % respectively. The SWT also resulted in reduced photosynthetic electron-transfer reaction and Calvin-Benson cycle in NPs-treated plants. Under NPs, SWT stimulated the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) metabolism and bio-oxidation process. The decrease in photosynthesis and the increase in respiration resulted in an 11.94 % decrease in net photosynthetic rate (Pn). These results indicated the complicated interplay between climate change and nanoplastic pollution in crop growth and underscored the potential risk of nanoplastic pollution on crop production in the future climate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Black Soil Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, China
| | - Shuxin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Black Soil Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lichun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Crop Eco-Physiology and Farming System in the Northeastern, Institute of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affair, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun 130033, China.
| | - Peng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Black Soil Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, China
| | - Tianhao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Black Soil Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, China; Engineering Laboratory for Eco-agriculture in Water Source of Liaoheyuan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, China
| | - Xiangnan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Black Soil Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yang X, Feng K, Wang G, Zhang S, Zhao J, Yuan X, Ren J. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles alleviates polystyrene nanoplastics induced growth inhibition by modulating carbon and nitrogen metabolism via melatonin signaling in maize. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:262. [PMID: 38760823 PMCID: PMC11100085 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02537-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nanoplastics, are emerging pollutants, present a potential hazard to food security and human health. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (Nano-TiO2), serving as nano-fertilizer in agriculture, may be important in alleviating polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) toxicity. RESULTS Here, we performed transcriptomic, metabolomic and physiological analyzes to identify the role of Nano-TiO2 in regulating the metabolic processes in PSNPs-stressed maize seedlings (Zea mays L.). The growth inhibition by PSNPs stress was partially relieved by Nano-TiO2. Furthermore, when considering the outcomes obtained from RNA-seq, enzyme activity, and metabolite content analyses, it becomes evident that Nano-TiO2 significantly enhance carbon and nitrogen metabolism levels in plants. In comparison to plants that were not subjected to Nano-TiO2, plants exposed to Nano-TiO2 exhibited enhanced capabilities in maintaining higher rates of photosynthesis, sucrose synthesis, nitrogen assimilation, and protein synthesis under stressful conditions. Meanwhile, Nano-TiO2 alleviated the oxidative damage by modulating the antioxidant systems. Interestingly, we also found that Nano-TiO2 significantly enhanced the endogenous melatonin levels in maize seedlings. P-chlorophenylalanine (p-CPA, a melatonin synthesis inhibitor) declined Nano-TiO2-induced PSNPs tolerance. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our data show that melatonin is involved in Nano-TiO2-induced growth promotion in maize through the regulation of carbon and nitrogen metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030800, Shanxi, China
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ke Feng
- College of Agriculture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030800, Shanxi, China
| | - Guo Wang
- College of Agriculture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030800, Shanxi, China
| | - Shifang Zhang
- College of Agriculture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030800, Shanxi, China
| | - Juan Zhao
- College of Agriculture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030800, Shanxi, China.
| | - Xiangyang Yuan
- College of Agriculture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030800, Shanxi, China.
| | - Jianhong Ren
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030800, Shanxi, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Liava V, Golia EE. Effect of microplastics used in agronomic practices on agricultural soil properties and plant functions: Potential contribution to the circular economy of rural areas. WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOLID WASTES AND PUBLIC CLEANSING ASSOCIATION, ISWA 2024:734242X241234234. [PMID: 38520089 DOI: 10.1177/0734242x241234234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
The extensive use of plastic materials and their improper disposal results in high amounts of plastic waste in the environment. Aging of plastics leads to their breakdown into smaller particles, such as microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics. This research investigates plastics used in agricultural practices as they contribute to MP pollution in agricultural soils. The distribution and characteristics of MPs in agricultural soils were evaluated. In addition, the effect of MPs on soil properties, the relationship between MPs and metals in soil, the effect of MPs on the fate of pesticides in agricultural soils and the influence of MPs on plant growth were analysed, discussing legume, cereal and vegetable crops. Finally, a brief description of the main methods of chemical analysis and identification of MPs is presented. This study will contribute to a better understanding of MPs in agricultural soils and their effect on the soil-plant system. The changes induced by MPs in soil parameters can lead to potential benefits as it is possible to increase the availability of micronutrients and reduce plant uptake of toxic elements. Furthermore, although plastic pollution remains an emerging threat to soil ecosystems, their presence may result in benefits to agricultural soils, highlighting the principles of the circular economy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Liava
- Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Environment, Soil Science Laboratory, School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of Agriculture Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece
| | - Evangelia E Golia
- Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Environment, Soil Science Laboratory, School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hu M, Huang Y, Liu L, Ren L, Li C, Yang R, Zhang Y. The effects of Micro/Nano-plastics exposure on plants and their toxic mechanisms: A review from multi-omics perspectives. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133279. [PMID: 38141304 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133279] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, plastic pollution has become a global environmental problem, posing a potential threat to agricultural ecosystems and human health, and may further exacerbate global food security problems. Studies have revealed that exposure to micro/nano-plastics (MPs/NPs) might cause various aspects of physiological toxicities, including plant biomass reduction, intracellular oxidative stress burst, photosynthesis inhibition, water and nutrient absorption reduction, cellular and genotoxicity, seed germination retardation, and that the effects were closely related to MP/NP properties (type, particle size, functional groups), exposure concentration, exposure duration and plant characteristics (species, tissue, growth stage). Based on a brief review of the physiological toxicity of MPs/NPs to plant growth, this paper comprehensively reviews the potential molecular mechanism of MPs/NPs on plant growth from perspectives of multi-omics, including transcriptome, metabolome, proteome and microbiome, thus to reveal the role of MPs/NPs in plant transcriptional regulation, metabolic pathway reprogramming, protein translational and post-translational modification, as well as rhizosphere microbial remodeling at multiple levels. Meanwhile, this paper also provides prospects for future research, and clarifies the future research directions and the technologies adopted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mangu Hu
- College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Yongxiang Huang
- College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Lin Liu
- College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Vegetable Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510640, China
| | - Lei Ren
- College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Chengyong Li
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518108, China
| | - Rongchao Yang
- College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China.
| | - Yueqin Zhang
- College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhang L, Vaccari F, Ardenti F, Fiorini A, Tabaglio V, Puglisi E, Trevisan M, Lucini L. The dosage- and size-dependent effects of micro- and nanoplastics in lettuce roots and leaves at the growth, photosynthetic, and metabolomics levels. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2024; 208:108531. [PMID: 38513516 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.108531] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
The occurrence of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in soils potentially induce morphological, physiological, and biochemical alterations in plants. The present study investigated the effects of MPs/NPs on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. capitata) plants by focusing on (i) four different particle sizes of polyethylene micro- and nanoplastics, at (ii) four concentrations. Photosynthetic activity, morphological changes in plants, and metabolomic shifts in roots and leaves were investigated. Our findings revealed that particle size plays a pivotal role in influencing various growth traits of lettuce (biomass, color segmentation, greening index, leaf area, and photosynthetic activity), physiological parameters (including maximum quantum yield - Fv/Fmmax, or quantum yield in the steady-state Fv/FmLss, NPQLss, RfdLss, FtLss, FqLss), and metabolomic signatures. Smaller plastic sizes demonstrated a dose-dependent impact on aboveground plant structures, resulting in an overall elicitation of biosynthetic processes. Conversely, larger plastic size had a major impact on root metabolomics, leading to a negative modulation of biosynthetic processes. Specifically, the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, phytohormone crosstalk, and the metabolism of lipids and fatty acids were among the most affected processes. In addition, nitrogen-containing compounds accumulated following plastic treatments. Our results highlighted a tight correlation between the qPCR analysis of genes associated with the soil nitrogen cycle (such as NifH, NirK, and NosZ), available nitrogen pools in soil (including NO3- and NH4), N-containing metabolites and morpho-physiological parameters of lettuce plants subjected to MPs/NPs. These findings underscore the intricate relationship between specific plastic contaminations, nitrogen dynamics, and plant performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leilei Zhang
- Department for Sustainable Food Process, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Filippo Vaccari
- Department for Sustainable Food Process, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Federico Ardenti
- Department of Sustainable Crop Production, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Andrea Fiorini
- Department of Sustainable Crop Production, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Tabaglio
- Department of Sustainable Crop Production, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Edoardo Puglisi
- Department for Sustainable Food Process, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Marco Trevisan
- Department for Sustainable Food Process, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Luigi Lucini
- Department for Sustainable Food Process, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Shi J, Zhao M, Zhang F, Feng D, Yang S, Xue Y, Liu Y. Physiological Mechanism through Which Al Toxicity Inhibits Peanut Root Growth. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:325. [PMID: 38276782 PMCID: PMC10820445 DOI: 10.3390/plants13020325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Al (Aluminum) poisoning is a significant limitation to crop yield in acid soil. However, the physiological process involved in the peanut root response to Al poisoning has not been clarified yet and requires further research. In order to investigate the influence of Al toxicity stress on peanut roots, this study employed various methods, including root phenotype analysis, scanning of the root, measuring the physical response indices of the root, measurement of the hormone level in the root, and quantitative PCR (qPCR). This research aimed to explore the physiological mechanism underlying the reaction of peanut roots to Al toxicity. The findings revealed that Al poisoning inhibits the development of peanut roots, resulting in reduced biomass, length, surface area, and volume. Al also significantly affects antioxidant oxidase activity and proline and malondialdehyde contents in peanut roots. Furthermore, Al toxicity led to increased accumulations of Al and Fe in peanut roots, while the contents of zinc (Zn), cuprum (Cu), manganese (Mn), kalium (K), magnesium (Mg), and calcium (Ca) decreased. The hormone content and related gene expression in peanut roots also exhibited significant changes. High concentrations of Al trigger cellular defense mechanisms, resulting in differentially expressed antioxidase genes and enhanced activity of antioxidases to eliminate excessive ROS (reactive oxygen species). Additionally, the differential expression of hormone-related genes in a high-Al environment affects plant hormones, ultimately leading to various negative effects, for example, decreased biomass of roots and hindered root development. The purpose of this study was to explore the physiological response mechanism of peanut roots subjected to aluminum toxicity stress, and the findings of this research will provide a basis for cultivating Al-resistant peanut varieties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianning Shi
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Min Zhao
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Didi Feng
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Shaoxia Yang
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Yingbin Xue
- Department of Agronomy, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Guo S, Zhang X, Sun H. Transcriptomic mechanism for foliar applied nano-ZnO alleviating phytotoxicity of nanoplastics in corn (Zea mays L.) plants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:166818. [PMID: 37722423 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics, as emerging pollutants, have drawn increasing concerns for their potential threats to agriculture and food security. ZnO nanoparticles (nano-ZnO), serving as ideal nano-fertilizer dispersion in sustainable agriculture, might be a promising application for nanoplastic stress management. To determine the role of nano-ZnO in regulating crop response towards nanoplastic pollutions, corn (Zea mays L.) seedlings after leaf treatment by nano-ZnO were foliar exposed to polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs). The presence of nano-ZnO significantly reduced the accumulation of PSNPs in corn leaf, stem and root tissues by 40.7 %-71.4 %. Physiologically, nano-ZnO prominently decreased the extent of PSNP-induced reduction in chlorophyll content and photosynthetic rates, thereby greatly weakening the toxic effects of PSNPs on corn plant growth. The Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses demonstrated that responsive differentially expressed genes involved in photosynthesis, glutathione metabolism and phytohormone signal transduction pathways explained the enhanced tolerance of corn plants to PSNPs under the addition of nano-ZnO. Among the key genes of photosynthesis, nano-ZnO ensured the regular expression of chlorophyll synthesis genes (CHLH, CHLD, CHLM, DVR, GTR and POR), photosystem II gene (PetH), and carbon fixation enzyme genes (pepc, rbcL and rbcS) inhibited by PSNP exposure. These findings enlarge our understanding of the mechanism by which nano-ZnO attenuates the negative effects of nanoplastics on crops, which is of great significance for improving the sustainable utilization of nano-fertilizers in agriculture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Guo
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, China
| | - Xiajie Zhang
- Shanxi Laboratory for Yellow River, College of Environment and Resource, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Haifeng Sun
- Shanxi Laboratory for Yellow River, College of Environment and Resource, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wang J, Zhang X, Li X, Wang Z. Exposure pathways, environmental processes and risks of micro (nano) plastics to crops and feasible control strategies in agricultural regions. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132269. [PMID: 37607458 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Micro/nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) pollution may adversely impact agricultural ecosystems, threatening the sustainability and security of agricultural production. This drives an urgent need to comprehensively understand the environmental behavior and effects of MPs/NPs in soil and atmosphere in agricultural regions, and to seek relevant pollution prevention strategies. The rhizosphere and phyllosphere are the interfaces where crops are exposed to MPs/NPs. The environmental behavior of MPs/NPs in soil and atmosphere, especially in the rhizosphere and phyllosphere, determines their plant accessibility, bioavailability and ecotoxicity. This article comprehensively reviews the transformation and migration of MPs/NPs in soil, transportation and deposition in the atmosphere, environmental behavior and effects in the rhizosphere and phyllosphere, and plant uptake and transportation pathways. The article also summarizes the key factors controlling MPs/NPs environmental processes, including their properties, biotic and abiotic factors. Based on the sources, environmental processes and intake risks of MPs/NPs in agroecosystems, the article offers several feasible pollution prevention and risk management options. Finally, the review highlights the need for further research on MPs/NPs in agro-systems, including developing quantitative detection methods, exploring transformation and migration patterns in-situ soil, monitoring long-term field experiments, and establishing pollution prevention and control systems. This review can assist in improving our understanding of the biogeochemistry behavior of MPs/NPs in the soil-plant-atmosphere system and provide a roadmap for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Xiaokai Zhang
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Xiaona Li
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China.
| |
Collapse
|