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Wang F, Sun J, Han L, Liu W, Ding Y. Microplastics regulate soil microbial activities: Evidence from catalase, dehydrogenase, and fluorescein diacetate hydrolase. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 263:120064. [PMID: 39332793 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.120064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2024] [Revised: 09/23/2024] [Accepted: 09/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/29/2024]
Abstract
Soil microbiomes drive many soil processes and maintain the ecological functions of terrestrial ecosystems. Microplastics (MPs, size < 5 mm) are pervasive emerging contaminants worldwide. However, how MPs affect soil microbial activity has not been well elucidated. This review article first highlights the effects of MPs on overall soil microbial activities represented by three soil enzymes, i.e., catalase, dehydrogenase, and fluorescein diacetate hydrolase (FDAse), and explores the underlying mechanisms and influencing factors. Abundant evidence confirms that MPs can change soil microbial activities. However, existing results vary greatly from inhibition to promotion and non-significance, depending on polymer type, degradability, dose, size, shape, additive, and aging degree of the target MPs, soil physicochemical and biological properties, and exposure conditions, such as exposure time, temperature, and agricultural practices (e.g., planting, fertilization, soil amendment, and pesticide application). MPs can directly affect microbial activities by acting as carbon sources, releasing additives and pollutants, and shaping microbial communities via plastisphere effects. Smaller MPs (e.g., nanoplastics, 1 to < 1000 nm) can also damage microbial cells through penetration. Indirectly, MPs can change soil attributes, fertility, the toxicity of co-existing pollutants, and the performance of soil fauna and plants, thus regulating soil microbiomes and their activities. In conclusion, MPs can regulate soil microbial activities and consequently pose cascading consequences for ecosystem functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fayuan Wang
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266042, P.R. China.
| | - Jiao Sun
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266042, P.R. China
| | - Lanfang Han
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watersheds, Institute of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P.R. China
| | - Weitao Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, P.R. China
| | - Yuanhong Ding
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266042, P.R. China.
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Liu Z, Wu Z, Zhang Y, Wen J, Su Z, Wei H, Zhang J. Impacts of conventional and biodegradable microplastics in maize-soil ecosystems: Above and below ground. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 477:135129. [PMID: 39053066 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135129] [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: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
The increasing accumulation of microplastics (MPs) in agroecosystems has raised significant environmental and public health concerns, facilitating the application of biodegradable plastics. However, the comparative effects of conventional and biodegradable MPs in agroecosystem are still far from fully understood. Here we developed microcosm experiments to reveal the ecological effects of conventional (polyethylene [PE] and polypropylene [PP]) and biodegradable (polyadipate/butylene terephthalate [PBAT] and polycaprolactone [PCL]) MPs (0, 1%, 5%; w/w) in the maize-soil ecosystem. We found that PCL MPs reduced plant production by 73.6-75.2%, while PE, PP and PBAT MPs elicited almost negligible change. The addition of PCL MPs decreased specific enzyme activities critical for soil nutrients cycling by 71.5-95.3%. Biodegradable MPs tended to reduce bacterial α-diversity. The 1% treatments of PE and PBAT, and PCL enhanced bacterial networks complexity, whereas 5% of PE and PBAT, and PP had adverse effect. Moreover, biodegradable MPs appeared to reduce the α-diversity and networks complexity of fungal community. Overall, PCL reduced the ecosystem multifunctionality, mainly by inhibiting the microbial metabolic activity. This study offers evidence that biodegradable MPs can impair agroecosystem multifunctionality, and highlights the potential risks to replace the conventional plastics by biodegradable ones in agricultural practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqiang Liu
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment in the Tropics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Department of Ecology, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zhenzhen Wu
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment in the Tropics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Department of Ecology, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yirui Zhang
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment in the Tropics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Department of Ecology, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Jiahao Wen
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment in the Tropics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Department of Ecology, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zhijun Su
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment in the Tropics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Department of Ecology, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Hui Wei
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment in the Tropics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Department of Ecology, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Centre of Modern Eco-agriculture and Circular Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Jiaen Zhang
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment in the Tropics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Department of Ecology, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Centre of Modern Eco-agriculture and Circular Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
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Jia X, Yao Y, Tan G, Xue S, Liu M, Tang DWS, Geissen V, Yang X. Effects of LDPE and PBAT plastics on soil organic carbon and carbon-enzymes: A mesocosm experiment under field conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 362:124965. [PMID: 39284406 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 09/06/2024] [Accepted: 09/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
Although the effects of plastic residues on soil organic carbon (SOC) have been studied, variations in SOC and soil carbon-enzyme activities at different plant growth stages have been largely overlooked. There remains a knowledge gap on how various varieties of plastics affect SOC and carbon-enzyme activity dynamics during the different growing stages of plants. In this study, we conducted a mesocosm experiment under field conditions using low-density polyethylene and poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) debris (LDPE-D and PBAT-D, 500-2000 μm (pieces), 0%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%), and low-density polyethylene microplastics (LDPE-M, 500-1000 μm (powder), 0%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.5%) to investigate SOC and C-enzyme activities (β-xylosidase, cellobiohydrolase, β-glucosidase) at the sowing, seedling, flowering and harvesting stages of soybean (Glycine Max). The results showed that SOC in the LDPE-D treatments significantly increased from the flowering to harvesting stage, by 12.69%-13.26% (p < 0.05), but significantly decreased in the 0.05% and 0.1% LDPE-M treatments from the sowing to seedling stage (p < 0.05). However, PBAT-D had no significant effect on SOC during the whole growing period. For C-enzyme activities, only LDPE-D treatments inhibited GH (17.22-38.56%), BG (46.7-66.53%) and CBH (13.19-23.16%), compared to treatment without plastic addition, from the flowering stage to harvesting stage. Meanwhile, C-enzyme activities and SOC responded nonmonotonically to plastic abundance and the impacts significantly varied among the growing stages, especially in treatments with PBAT-D (p < 0.05). These risks to soil organic carbon cycling are likely mediated by the effects of plastic contamination and degradation soil microbe. These effects are sensitive to plastic characteristics such as type, size, and shape, which, in turn, affect the biogeochemical and mechanical interactions involving plastic particles. Therefore, further research on the interactions between plastic degradation processes and the soil microbial community may provide better mechanistic understanding the effect of plastic contamination on soil organic carbon cycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinkai Jia
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, 712100, Yangling, China
| | - Yu Yao
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, 712100, Yangling, China
| | - Gaowei Tan
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, 6700AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Sha Xue
- Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Water Resources, 712100, Yangling, China
| | - Mengjuan Liu
- College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, 712100, Yangling, China
| | - Darrell W S Tang
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, 6700AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands; Water, Energy, and Environmental Engineering, University of Oulu, Finland
| | - Violette Geissen
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, 6700AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Xiaomei Yang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, 712100, Yangling, China; Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, 6700AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
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Nath S, Enerijiofi KE, Astapati AD, Guha A. Microplastics and nanoplastics in soil: Sources, impacts, and solutions for soil health and environmental sustainability. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2024. [PMID: 39246015 DOI: 10.1002/jeq2.20625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
The present review discusses the growing concern of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in soil, together with their sources, concentration, distribution, and impact on soil microorganisms, human health, and ecosystems. MPs and NPs can enter the soil through various pathways, such as agricultural activities, sewage sludge application, and atmospheric deposition. Once in the soil, they can accumulate in the upper layers and affect soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability. The presence of MPs and NPs in soil can also have ecological consequences, acting as carriers for pollutants and contaminants, such as heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants. Additionally, the leaching of chemicals and additives from MPs and NPs can pose public health risks through the food web and groundwater contamination. The detection and analyses of MPs and NPs in soil can be challenging, and methods involve spectroscopic and microscopy techniques, such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. To mitigate the presence and effects of MPs and NPs in soil, it is essential to reduce plastic waste production, improve waste management practices, and adopt sustainable agricultural practices. Effective mitigation measures include implementing stricter regulations on plastic use, promoting biodegradable alternatives, and enhancing recycling infrastructure. Additionally, soil amendments, such as biochar and compost, can help immobilize MPs and NPs, reducing their mobility and bioavailability. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of these emerging environmental issues and identify potential solutions to alleviate their impact on soil health, ecosystem functioning, and community health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumitra Nath
- Department of Biotechnology, Gurucharan College, Silchar, Assam, India
| | - Kingsley Erhons Enerijiofi
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, Glorious Vision University, Ogwa, Edo State, Nigeria
| | | | - Anupam Guha
- Michael Madhusudan Dutta College, Sabroom, Tripura, India
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Moharana T, Patnaik A, Mishra CSK, Behera BP, Samal RR. High-density polyethylene microplastics in agricultural soil: Impact on microbes, enzymes, and carbon-nitrogen ratio. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2024; 53:711-726. [PMID: 39072844 DOI: 10.1002/jeq2.20610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), recognized as emerging pollutants, pose a significant threat to diverse organisms and have adverse effects on agricultural soil. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) holds a prominent position among prevalent forms of MPs. In the current investigations, the impact of HDPE was assessed at four different concentrations (0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1.0%) on agricultural soil, microbial population, exoenzymes activities including amylase, cellulase, and invertase, and alteration in carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio. Both bacterial and fungal populations exhibited a non-concentration-dependent response to different concentrations of HDPE over time. In this study, we refer to the concentrations of 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1.0% as HT1, HT2, HT3, and HT4, respectively. Initial MP application significantly reduced bacterial colony counts for HT1, HT2, and HT4, while HT3 showed no significant change. On the 60th day, HT1 and HT3 exhibited a higher bacterial colony count compared to the control. On the other hand, fungal populations increased to maximum on day 1 but displayed no distinct time-dependent trend from days 15 to 60. Furthermore, enzyme activities decreased with increasing concentrations of MPs over an extended period. Molecular docking studies suggest that HDPE can hinder enzyme activity by forming hydrogen bonds with enzymes. The C/N ratio was found to be significantly higher in MP-treated soils on the 60th day relative to control, suggesting relatively slower degradation of carbon compounds in the MP-treated soils.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aliva Patnaik
- School of Life Sciences, Sambalpur University, Sambalpur, Odisha, India
| | - C S K Mishra
- Department of Zoology, College of Basic Science and Humanities, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Binayak Prasad Behera
- Department of Zoology, College of Basic Science and Humanities, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Rashmi Rekha Samal
- Environment and Sustainability Department, CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
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Kwiatkowska K, Ormaniec P. Microbial Succession on Microplastics in Wastewater Treatment Plants: Exploring the Complexities of Microplastic-Microbiome Interactions. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2024; 87:105. [PMID: 39133233 PMCID: PMC11319512 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-024-02422-y] [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: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Despite some effectiveness of wastewater treatment processes, microplastics accumulate in sewage sludge and their further use may contribute to the release of plastic microplastics into the environment. There is an urgent need to reduce the amount of microplastics in sewage sludge. Plastic particles serve as solid substrates for various microorganisms, promoting the formation of microbial biofilms with different metabolic activities. The biofilm environment associated with microplastics will determine the efficiency of treatment processes, especially biological methods, and the mechanisms of organic compound conversion. A significant source of microplastics is the land application of sewage sludge from wastewater treatment plants. The detrimental impact of microplastics affects soil enzymatic activity, soil microorganisms, flora, fauna, and plant production. This review article summarizes the development of research related to microplastics and discusses the issue of microplastic introduction from sewage sludge. Given that microplastics can contain complex composite polymers and form a plastisphere, further research is needed to understand their potential environmental impact, pathogenicity, and the characteristics of biofilms in wastewater treatment systems. The article also discusses the physicochemical properties of microplastics in wastewater treatment plants and their role in biofilm formation. Then, the article explained the impact of these properties on the possibility of the formation of biofilms on their surface due to the peculiar structure of microorganisms and also characterized what factors enable the formation of specific plastisphere in wastewater treatment plants. It highlights the urgent need to understand the basic information about microplastics to assess environmental toxicity more rationally, enabling better pollution control and the development of regulatory standards to manage microplastics entering the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Kwiatkowska
- Department of Environmental Technologies, Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Energy, Cracow University of Technology, Warszawska 24, 31-155, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Paulina Ormaniec
- Department of Environmental Technologies, Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Energy, Cracow University of Technology, Warszawska 24, 31-155, Kraków, Poland
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7
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Lin Y, Tao J, Chen D, Cao C, Chen J, Zhang Y, Qian Q. The fate of plastic wraps in constructed wetland: Surface structure and microbial community. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 934:173133. [PMID: 38734091 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173133] [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: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
The high use of plastic wraps leads to significant environmental pollution. In this study, the surface structure and microbial community evolution of commercially available plastic wraps [polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), and polylactic acid (PLA)] in constructed wetlands (CWs) were investigated. The results indicated that all plastic wraps gradually decreased in molecular weight, crystallinity, melting, and crystallization temperatures, whereas a gradual increase was observed in the surface roughness, polymer dispersity index (PDI), carbonyl index (CI) and Shannon index of microorganisms colonizing the CWs. The aging rate of the plastic wrap was in the order: PLA > PVC > PE > PVDC, at the same site in the CWs, and it was in the order: soil surface > plant roots > subsoil, for the same plastic wrap. The diversity of microorganisms colonizing the same plastic wrap was in the order: plant roots > subsoil > soil surface. The Shannon indices of microorganisms on plastic wraps were lower than those in the soil, indicating that the diversity of microorganisms colonizing plastic wraps is limited. Additionally, the microbial community structure on the plastic surface was co-differentiated by the plastic type, placement position in the CWs, and aging time. Significantly different microbial community structures were found on the PVC and PVDC wrap surfaces, revealing that the chlorine in plastics limits microbial diversity. Unclassified members of Rhizobiaceae and Pseudomonadaceae were the dominant genera on the surface of the plastic wraps, suggesting that they may be the microorganisms involved in plastic degradation processes. The study provides valuable perspectives to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the migration, fate, and environmental risks associated with microplastics (MPs) in wetlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Lin
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, College of Carbon Neutral Modern Industry, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Pollution Control & Resource Reuse and Engineering Research Center of Polymer Green Recycling of Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China
| | - Jing Tao
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, College of Carbon Neutral Modern Industry, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Pollution Control & Resource Reuse and Engineering Research Center of Polymer Green Recycling of Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China
| | - Dongping Chen
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, College of Carbon Neutral Modern Industry, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Pollution Control & Resource Reuse and Engineering Research Center of Polymer Green Recycling of Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China
| | - Changlin Cao
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, College of Carbon Neutral Modern Industry, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Pollution Control & Resource Reuse and Engineering Research Center of Polymer Green Recycling of Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China
| | - Jianfei Chen
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, College of Carbon Neutral Modern Industry, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Pollution Control & Resource Reuse and Engineering Research Center of Polymer Green Recycling of Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China.
| | - Yanru Zhang
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, College of Carbon Neutral Modern Industry, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Pollution Control & Resource Reuse and Engineering Research Center of Polymer Green Recycling of Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China
| | - Qingrong Qian
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, College of Carbon Neutral Modern Industry, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Pollution Control & Resource Reuse and Engineering Research Center of Polymer Green Recycling of Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China.
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Li Y, Shi X, Zeng M, Qin P, Fu M, Luo S, Tang C, Mo C, Yu F. Effect of polyethylene microplastics on antibiotic resistance genes: A comparison based on different soil types and plant types. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 472:134581. [PMID: 38743972 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134581] [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: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are two types of contaminants that are widely present in the soil environment. MPs can act as carriers of microbes, facilitating the colonization and spread of ARGs and thus posing potential hazards to ecosystem safety and human health. In the present study, we explored the microbial networks and ARG distribution characteristics in different soil types (heavy metal (HM)-contaminated soil and agricultural soil planted with different plants: Bidens pilosa L., Ipomoea aquatica F., and Brassica chinensis L.) after the application of MPs and evaluated environmental factors, potential microbial hosts, and ARGs. The microbial communities in the three rhizosphere soils were closely related to each other, and the modularity of the microbial networks was greater than 0.4. Moreover, the core taxa in the microbial networks, including Actinobacteriota, Proteobacteria, and Myxococcota, were important for resisting environmental stress. The ARG resistance mechanisms were dominated by antibiotic efflux in all three rhizosphere soils. Based on the annotation results, the MP treatments induced changes in the relative abundance of microbes carrying ARGs, and the G1-5 treatment significantly increased the abundance of MuxB in Verrucomicrobia, Elusimicrobia, Actinobacteria, Planctomycetes, and Acidobacteria. Path analysis showed that changes in MP particle size and dosage may indirectly affect soil enzyme activities by changing pH, which affects microbes and ARGs. We suggest that MPs may provide surfaces for ARG accumulation, leading to ARG enrichment in plants. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that MPs, as potentially persistent pollutants, can affect different types of soil environments and that the presence of ARGs may cause substantial environmental risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Li
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, Guilin, China; College of Environment and Resources, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Processes and Remediation in Ecologically Fragile Regions, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
| | - Xinwei Shi
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, Guilin, China; College of Environment and Resources, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Processes and Remediation in Ecologically Fragile Regions, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
| | - Meng Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, Guilin, China; College of Environment and Resources, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
| | - Peiqing Qin
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, Guilin, China; College of Environment and Resources, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
| | - Mingyue Fu
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, Guilin, China; College of Environment and Resources, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
| | - Shiyu Luo
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, Guilin, China; College of Environment and Resources, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
| | - Chijian Tang
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, Guilin, China; College of Environment and Resources, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
| | - Cuiju Mo
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, Guilin, China; College of Environment and Resources, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
| | - Fangming Yu
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, Guilin, China; College of Environment and Resources, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Processes and Remediation in Ecologically Fragile Regions, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China.
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9
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Zhao S, Rillig MC, Bing H, Cui Q, Qiu T, Cui Y, Penuelas J, Liu B, Bian S, Monikh FA, Chen J, Fang L. Microplastic pollution promotes soil respiration: A global-scale meta-analysis. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2024; 30:e17415. [PMID: 39005227 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.17415] [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: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution likely affects global soil carbon (C) dynamics, yet it remains uncertain how and to what extent MP influences soil respiration. Here, we report on a global meta-analysis to determine the effects of MP pollution on the soil microbiome and CO2 emission. We found that MP pollution significantly increased the contents of soil organic C (SOC) (21%) and dissolved organic C (DOC) (12%), the activity of fluorescein diacetate hydrolase (FDAse) (10%), and microbial biomass (17%), but led to a decrease in microbial diversity (3%). In particular, increases in soil C components and microbial biomass further promote CO2 emission (25%) from soil, but with a much higher effect of MPs on these emissions than on soil C components and microbial biomass. The effect could be attributed to the opposite effects of MPs on microbial biomass vs. diversity, as soil MP accumulation recruited some functionally important bacteria and provided additional C substrates for specific heterotrophic microorganisms, while inhibiting the growth of autotrophic taxa (e.g., Chloroflexi, Cyanobacteria). This study reveals that MP pollution can increase soil CO2 emission by causing shifts in the soil microbiome. These results underscore the potential importance of plastic pollution for terrestrial C fluxes, and thus climate feedbacks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuling Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, The Research Center of Soil and Water Conservation and Ecological Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Education, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Water Resources, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | - Haijian Bing
- Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Qingliang Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, The Research Center of Soil and Water Conservation and Ecological Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Education, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Water Resources, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tianyi Qiu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Yongxing Cui
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Josep Penuelas
- CSIC, Global Ecology Unit CREAF- CSIC- UAB, Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain
- CREAF, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Caalonia, Spain
| | - Baiyan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, The Research Center of Soil and Water Conservation and Ecological Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Education, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Water Resources, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shiqi Bian
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Fazel Abdolahpur Monikh
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Institute for Nanomaterials, Advanced Technologies, and Innovation, Technical University of Liberec Bendlova 1409/7, Liberec, Czech Republic
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Linchuan Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, The Research Center of Soil and Water Conservation and Ecological Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Education, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Water Resources, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Utilization of Critical Non-metallic Mineral Resources, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, China
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10
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Yu H, Pu Z, Wang S, Chen Y, Wang C, Wan Y, Dong Y, Wang J, Wan S, Wang D, Xie Z. Mitigating microplastic stress on peanuts: The role of biochar-based synthetic community in the preservation of soil physicochemical properties and microbial diversity. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 932:172927. [PMID: 38719057 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Tire-derived rubber crumbs (RC), as a new type of microplastics (MPs), harms both the environment and human health. Excessive use of plastic, the decomposition of which generates microplastic particles, in current agricultural practices poses a significant threat to the sustainability of agricultural ecosystems, worldwide food security and human health. In this study, the application of biochar, a carbon-rich material, to soil was explored, especially in the evaluation of synthetic biochar-based community (SynCom) to alleviate RC-MP-induced stress on plant growth and soil physicochemical properties and soil microbial communities in peanuts. The results revealed that RC-MPs significantly reduced peanut shoot dry weight, root vigor, nodule quantity, plant enzyme activity, soil urease and dehydrogenase activity, as well as soil available potassium, and bacterial abundance. Moreover, the study led to the identification highly effective plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) from the peanut rhizosphere, which were then integrated into a SynCom and immobilized within biochar. Application of biochar-based SynCom in RC-MPs contaminated soil significantly increased peanut biomass, root vigor, nodule number, and antioxidant enzyme activity, alongside enhancing soil enzyme activity and rhizosphere bacterial abundance. Interestingly, under high-dose RC-MPs treatment, the relative abundance of rhizosphere bacteria decreased significantly, but their diversity increased significantly and exhibited distinct clustering phenomenon. In summary, the investigated biochar-based SynCom proved to be a potential soil amendment to mitigate the deleterious effects of RC-MPs on peanuts and preserve soil microbial functionality. This presents a promising solution to the challenges posed by contaminated soil, offering new avenues for remediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Yu
- National Engineering Research Center for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, College of Resources and Environment of Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018, China
| | - Zitian Pu
- National Engineering Research Center for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, College of Resources and Environment of Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018, China
| | - Shuaibing Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, College of Resources and Environment of Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018, China
| | - Yinglong Chen
- The UWA Institute of Agriculture, School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Chao Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, College of Resources and Environment of Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018, China
| | - Yongshan Wan
- College of Agronomy, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018, China
| | - Yuanjie Dong
- National Engineering Research Center for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, College of Resources and Environment of Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018, China
| | - Jianguo Wang
- Institute of Crop Germplasm Resources, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Shubo Wan
- Institute of Crop Germplasm Resources, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Dandan Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, College of Resources and Environment of Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018, China.
| | - Zhihong Xie
- National Engineering Research Center for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, College of Resources and Environment of Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018, China.
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11
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Li Y, Hou F, Sun L, Lan J, Han Z, Li T, Wang Y, Zhao Z. Ecological effect of microplastics on soil microbe-driven carbon circulation and greenhouse gas emission: A review. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 364:121429. [PMID: 38870791 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121429] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Soil organic carbon (SOC) pool, the largest part of terrestrial ecosystem, controls global terrestrial carbon balance and consequently presented carbon cycle-climate feedback in climate projections. Microplastics, (MPs, <5 mm) as common pollutants in soil ecosystems, have an obvious impact on soil-borne carbon circulation by affecting soil microbial processes, which play a central role in regulating SOC conversion. In this review, we initially presented the sources, properties and ecological risks of MPs in soil ecosystem, and then the differentiated effects of MPs on the component of SOC, including dissolved organic carbon, soil microbial biomass carbon and easily oxidized organic carbon varying with the types and concentrations of MPs, the soil types, etc. As research turns into a broader perspective, greenhouse gas emissions dominated by the mineralization of SOC coming into view since it can be significantly affected by MPs and is closely associated with soil microbial respiration. The pathways of MPs impacting soil microbes-driven carbon conversion include changing microbial community structure and composition, the functional enzyme's activity and the abundance and expression of functional genes. However, numerous uncertainties still exist regarding the microbial mechanisms in the deeper biochemical process. More comprehensive studies are necessary to explore the affected footprint and provide guidance for finding the evaluation criterion of MPs affecting climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaru Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Fangwei Hou
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Lulu Sun
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Jing Lan
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Zhanghua Han
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Optics and Photonic Devices, Center of Light Manipulation and Applications, School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250358, China
| | - Tongtong Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Yiming Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Zongshan Zhao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.
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12
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Roy R, Hossain A, Sultana S, Deb B, Ahmod MM, Sarker T. Microplastics increase cadmium absorption and impair nutrient uptake and growth in red amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.) in the presence of cadmium and biochar. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 24:608. [PMID: 38926861 PMCID: PMC11202365 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-05312-0] [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: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution in terrestrial ecosystems is gaining attention, but there is limited research on its effects on leafy vegetables when combined with heavy metals. This study examines the impact of three MP types-polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene (PS)-at concentrations of 0.02, 0.05, and 0.1% w/w, along with cadmium (Cd) and biochar (B), on germination, growth, nutrient absorption, and heavy metal uptake in red amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.). We found that different MP types and concentrations did not negatively affect germination parameters like germination rate, relative germination rate, germination vigor, relative germination vigor, and germination speed. However, they increased phytotoxicity and decreased stress tolerance compared to an untreated control (CK1). The presence of MPs, particularly the PS type, reduced phosphorus and potassium uptake while enhancing Cd uptake. For example, treatments PS0.02CdB, PS0.05CdB, and PS0.1CdB increased Cd content in A. tricolor seedlings by 158%, 126%, and 44%, respectively, compared to the treatment CdB (CK2). Additionally, MP contamination led to reduced plant height, leaf dry matter content, and fresh and dry weights, indicating adverse effects on plant growth. Moreover, the presence of MPs increased bioconcentration factors and translocation factors for Cd, suggesting that MPs might act as carriers for heavy metal absorption in plants. On the positive side, the addition of biochar improved several root parameters, including root length, volume, surface area, and the number of root tips in the presence of MPs, indicating potential benefits for plant growth. Our study shows that the combination of MPs and Cd reduces plant growth and increases the risk of heavy metal contamination in food crops. Further research is needed to understand how different MP types and concentrations affect various plant species, which will aid in developing targeted mitigation strategies and in exploring the mechanisms through which MPs impact plant growth and heavy metal uptake. Finally, investigating the potential of biochar application in conjunction with other amendments in mitigating these effects could be key to addressing MP and heavy metal contamination in agricultural systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Roy
- Institute of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, 24118, Kiel, Germany.
- Department of Agroforestry and Environmental Science, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, 3100, Bangladesh.
| | - Akram Hossain
- Department of Agroforestry and Environmental Science, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, 3100, Bangladesh
| | - Shirin Sultana
- Open School, Bangladesh Open University, Gazipur, 1705, Bangladesh
| | - Biplob Deb
- Department of Agricultural Extension Education, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, 3100, Bangladesh
| | - Md Moudud Ahmod
- Department of Crop Botany & Tea Production Technology, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, 3100, Bangladesh
| | - Tanwne Sarker
- Department of Sociology and Rural Development, Khulna Agricultural University, Khulna, 9100, Bangladesh
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13
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Hattab S, Cappello T, Boughattas I, Sassi K, Mkhinini M, Zitouni N, Missawi O, Eliso MC, Znaidi A, Banni M. Toxicity assessment of animal manure composts containing environmental microplastics by using earthworms Eisenia andrei. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 931:172975. [PMID: 38705298 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Nowadays, animal manure composting constitutes a sustainable alternative for farmers to enhance the level of nutrients within soils and achieve a good productivity. However, pollutants may be present in manures. This study focuses on the detection of environmental microplastics (EMPs) into composts, as well as on the assessment of their potential toxicity on the earthworm Eisenia andrei. To these aims, animals were exposed to two types of compost, namely bovine (cow) and ovine (sheep) manure, besides to their mixture, for 7 and 14 days. The presence and characterization of EMPs was evaluated in all the tested composts, as well as in tissues of the exposed earthworms. The impact of the tested composts was assessed by a multi-biomarker approach including cytotoxic (lysosomal membrane stability, LMS), genotoxic (micronuclei frequency, MNi), biochemical (activity of catalase, CAT, and glutathione-S-transferase, GST; content of malondialdehyde, MDA), and neurotoxic (activity of acetylcholinesterase, AChE) responses in earthworms. Results indicated the presence of high levels of EMPs in all the tested composts, especially in the sheep manure (2273.14 ± 200.89 items/kg) in comparison to the cow manure (1628.82 ± 175.23 items/kg), with the size <1.22 μm as the most abundant EMPs. A time-dependent decrease in LMS and AChE was noted in exposed earthworms, as well as a concomitant increase in DNA damages (MNi) after 7 and 14 days of exposure. Also, a severe oxidative stress was recorded in animals treated with the different types of compost through an increase in CAT and GST activities, and LPO levels, especially after 14 days of exposure. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully consider these findings for agricultural good practices in terms of plastic mitigation in compost usage, in order to prevent any risk for environment health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrine Hattab
- Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology, Higher Institute of Agronomy of Chott-Meriem, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia; Regional Research Centre in Horticulture and Organic Agriculture of Chott-Meriem, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Tiziana Cappello
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
| | - Iteb Boughattas
- Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology, Higher Institute of Agronomy of Chott-Meriem, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia; Regional Field Crops Research Center of Beja, IRESA, Tunisia
| | - Khaled Sassi
- Laboratory of Agronomy, National Agronomy Institute of Tunisia (INAT), University of Carthage, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Marouane Mkhinini
- Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology, Higher Institute of Agronomy of Chott-Meriem, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia; LEESU, Université Paris Est Créteil, Ecole des ponts, Créteil, France
| | - Nesrine Zitouni
- Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology, Higher Institute of Agronomy of Chott-Meriem, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Omayma Missawi
- Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology, Higher Institute of Agronomy of Chott-Meriem, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Maria Concetta Eliso
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Akram Znaidi
- Department of Animal Production, Higher Institute of Agronomy of Chott-Meriem, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Banni
- Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology, Higher Institute of Agronomy of Chott-Meriem, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia; Higher Institute of Biotechnology, ISBM, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
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14
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Wu X, Lin L, Lin Z, Deng X, Li W, He T, Zhang J, Wang Y, Chen L, Lei Z, Liu C, Xu Z. Influencing mechanisms of microplastics existence on soil heavy metals accumulated by plants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 926:171878. [PMID: 38537832 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals often coexist in soil, drawing significant attention to their interactions and the potential risks of biological accumulation in the soil-plant system. This paper comprehensively reviews the factors and biochemical mechanisms that influence the uptake of heavy metals by plants, in the existence of MPs, spanning from rhizospheric soil to the processes of root absorption and transport. The paper begins by introducing the origins and current situation of soil contamination with both heavy metals and MPs. It then discusses how MPs alter the physicochemical properties of rhizospheric soil, with a focus on parameters that affect the bioavailability of heavy metals such as aggregates, pH, Eh, and soil organic carbon (SOC). The paper also examines the effect of this pollution on soil organisms and plant growth and reviews the mechanisms by which MPs affect the bioavailability and movement-transformation of heavy metals in rhizospheric soil. This examination emphasizes the roles of rhizospheric microbes, soil fauna, and root physiological metabolism. Finally, the paper outlines the research progress on the mechanisms by which MPs influence the uptake and transport of heavy metals by plant roots. Through this comprehensive review, this paper provides aims to provide environmental managers with a detailed understanding of the potential impact of the coexistence of MPs and heavy metals on the soil-plant ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Wu
- College of Resources and Environment, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Lihong Lin
- College of Resources and Environment, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Zheng Lin
- College of Resources and Environment, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Xingying Deng
- College of Resources and Environment, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Wanli Li
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Tao He
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Hanjiang Normal University, Shi Yan 442000, China
| | - Jiexiang Zhang
- GRG Metrology& Test Group Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510656, China
| | - Yifan Wang
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Lili Chen
- Business School, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; School of Geography and Planning, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zexiang Lei
- College of Resources and Environment, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Chunguang Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Zhimin Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany and Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded Ecosystems, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China.
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15
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Guerrieri N, Mazzini S, Borgonovo G. Food Plants and Environmental Contamination: An Update. TOXICS 2024; 12:365. [PMID: 38787144 PMCID: PMC11125986 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12050365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Food plants are the basis of human nutrition, but, in contaminated places, they can uptake contaminants. Environmental contamination and climate change can modify food quality; generally, they have a negative impact on and imply risks to human health. Heavy metals, like lead, arsenic, cadmium, and chromium, can be present at various environmental levels (soil, water, and atmosphere), and they are widely distributed in the world. Food plants can carry out heavy metal bioaccumulation, a defense pathway for plants, which is different for every plant species. Accumulation is frequent in the roots and the leaves, and heavy metals can be present in fruits and seeds; As and Cd are always present. In addition, other contaminants can bioaccumulate in food plants, including emerging contaminants, like persistent organic pollutants (POPs), pesticides, and microplastics. In food plants, these are present in the roots but also in the leaves and fruits, depending on their chemical structure. The literature published in recent years was examined to understand the distribution of contaminants among food plants. In the literature, old agronomical practices and new integrated technology to clean the water, control the soil, and monitor the crops have been proposed to mitigate contamination and produce high food quality and high food safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta Guerrieri
- National Research Council, Water Research Institute, Largo Tonolli 50, I-28922 Verbania, Italy
| | - Stefania Mazzini
- DeFENS Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences, via Celoria 2, I-20133 Milano, Italy; (S.M.)
| | - Gigliola Borgonovo
- DeFENS Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences, via Celoria 2, I-20133 Milano, Italy; (S.M.)
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16
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Wang G, Li Z, Yang B, Yang H, Zhang Y, Zeng Q, Yan C, He Y, Peng Y, Wang W, Chen B, Du G. The effect of white grub (Maladera Verticalis) larvae feeding on rhizosphere microbial characterization of aerobic rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Puer City, Yunnan Province, China. BMC Microbiol 2024; 24:123. [PMID: 38622504 PMCID: PMC11017655 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-024-03265-w] [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: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rhizosphere microorganisms are vital in plants' growth and development and these beneficial microbes are recruited to the root-zone soil when experiencing various environmental stresses. However, the effect of white grub (Maladera verticalis) larvae feeding on the structure and function of rhizosphere microbial communities of aerobic rice (Oryza sativa L.) is unclear. RESULTS In this study, we compared physicochemical properties, enzyme activities, and microbial communities using 18 samples under healthy and M. verticalis larvae-feeding aerobic rice rhizosphere soils at the Yunnan of China. 16 S rRNA and ITS amplicons were sequenced using Illumina high throughput sequencing. M. verticalis larvae feeding on aerobic rice can influence rhizosphere soil physicochemical properties and enzyme activities, which also change rhizosphere microbial communities. The healthy and M. verticalis larvae-feeding aerobic rice rhizosphere soil microorganisms had distinct genus signatures, such as possible_genus_04 and Knoellia genera in healthy aerobic rice rhizosphere soils and norank_f__SC - I-84 and norank_f__Roseiflexaceae genera in M. verticalis larvae-feeding aerobic rice rhizosphere soils. The pathway of the metabolism of terpenoids and polyketides and carbohydrate metabolism in rhizosphere bacteria were significantly decreased after M. verticalis larvae feeding. Fungal parasite-wood saprotroph and fungal parasites were significantly decreased after M. verticalis larvae feeding, and plant pathogen-wood saprotroph and animal pathogen-undefined saprotroph were increased after larvae feeding. Additionally, the relative abundance of Bradyrhizobium and Talaromyces genera gradually increased with the elevation of the larvae density. Bacterial and fungal communities significantly correlated with soil physicochemical properties and enzyme activities, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Based on the results we provide new insight for understanding the adaptation of aerobic rice to M. verticalis larvae feeding via regulating the rhizosphere environment, which would allow us to facilitate translation to more effective measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Biological Resources of Yunnan, College of Plant Protection, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Zhengfei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Biological Resources of Yunnan, College of Plant Protection, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Baoyun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Biological Resources of Yunnan, College of Plant Protection, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Huquan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Biological Resources of Yunnan, College of Plant Protection, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Yujie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Biological Resources of Yunnan, College of Plant Protection, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Qingping Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Biological Resources of Yunnan, College of Plant Protection, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Chaojianping Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Biological Resources of Yunnan, College of Plant Protection, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Yanyan He
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Biological Resources of Yunnan, College of Plant Protection, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China
- School of Agriculture, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Yuejin Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Biological Resources of Yunnan, College of Plant Protection, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Wenqian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Biological Resources of Yunnan, College of Plant Protection, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Bin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Biological Resources of Yunnan, College of Plant Protection, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Guangzu Du
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Biological Resources of Yunnan, College of Plant Protection, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China.
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17
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Khan Z, Shah T, Haider G, Adnan F, Sheikh Z, El-Sheikh MA, Bhatti MF, Ahmad P. Mycorrhizosphere bacteria inhibit greenhouse gas emissions from microplastics contaminated soil by regulating soil enzyme activities and microbial community structure. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 356:120673. [PMID: 38508003 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) accumulation in terrestrial ecosystems can affect greenhouse gases (GHGs) production by altering microbial and soil structure. Presently, research on the MPs effect on plants is not consistent, and underlying molecular mechanisms associated with GHGs are yet unknown. For the first time, we conducted a microcosm study to explore the impact of MPs addition (Raw vs. aged) and Trichoderma longibrachiatum and Bacillus subtilis inoculation (Sole vs. combination) on GHGs emission, soil community structure, physiochemical properties, and enzyme activities. Our results indicated that the addition of aged MPs considerably enhanced the GHGs emissions (N2O (+16%) and CO2 (+21%), respectively), C and N cycling gene expression, microbial biomass carbon, and soil physiochemical properties than raw MPs. However, the soil microbial community structure and enzyme activities were enhanced in raw MPs added treatments, irrespective of the MPs type added to soil. However, microbial inoculation significantly reduced GHGs emission by altering the expression of C and N cycling genes in both types of MPs added treatments. The soil microbial community structure, enzymes activities, physiochemical properties and microbial biomass carbon were enhanced in the presence of microbial inoculation in both type of MPs. Among sole and combined inoculation of Trichoderma and Bacillus subtilis, the co-applied Trichoderma and Bacillus subtilis considerably reduced the GHGs emission (N2O (-64%) and CO2 (-61%), respectively) by altering the expression of C and N cycling genes regardless of MPs type used. The combined inoculation also enhanced soil enzyme activities, microbial community structure, physiochemical properties and microbial biomass carbon in both types of MPs treatment. Our findings provide evidence that polyethylene MPs likely pose a high risk of GHGs emission while combined application of Trichoderma and Bacillus subtilis significantly reduced GHGs emission by altering C and N cycling gene expression, soil microbial community structure, and enzyme activities under MPs pollution in a terrestrial ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeeshan Khan
- Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Tariq Shah
- Plant Science Research Unit United States Department for Agriculture -Agricultural Research Service, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Ghulam Haider
- Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Fazal Adnan
- Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Zeshan Sheikh
- Institute of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (IESE), School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (SCEE), National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Mohamed A El-Sheikh
- Botany and Microbiology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Faraz Bhatti
- Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan.
| | - Parvaiz Ahmad
- Department of Botany, GDC Pulwama-192301, Jammu and Kashmir, India
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18
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Wu C, Song X, Wang D, Ma Y, Shan Y, Ren X, Hu H, Cui J, Ma Y. Combined effects of mulch film-derived microplastics and pesticides on soil microbial communities and element cycling. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 466:133656. [PMID: 38306832 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133656] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Pesticides and microplastics (MPs) derived from mulch film in agricultural soil can independently impact soil ecology, yet the consequences of their combined exposure remain unclear. Therefore, the effects of simultaneous exposure to commonly used pesticides (imidacloprid and flumioxazin) and aged mulch film-derived MPs on soil microorganisms and element cycles in cotton fields were investigated. The combined exposure influenced soil microorganisms, alongside processes related to carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles, exhibiting effects that were either neutralized or enhanced compared to individual exposures. The impact of pesticides in combined exposure was notably more significant and played a dominant role than that of MPs. Specifically, combined exposure intensified changes in soil bacterial community and symbiotic networks. The combined exposure neutralized NH4+, NO3-, DOC, and A-P contents, shifting from 0.33 % and 40.23 % increase in MPs and pesticides individually to a 40.24 % increase. Moreover, combined exposure resulted in the neutralization or amplification of the nitrogen-fixing gene nifH, nitrifying genes (amoA and amoB), and denitrifying genes (nirS and nirK), the carbon cycle gene cbbLG and the phosphorus cycle gene phoD from 0.48 and 2.57-fold increase to a 2.99-fold increase. The combined exposure also led to the neutralization or enhancement of carbon and nitrogen cycle functional microorganisms, shifting from a 1.53-fold inhibition and 10.52-fold increase to a 6.39-fold increase. These findings provide additional insights into the potential risks associated with combined pesticide exposure and MPs, particularly concerning soil microbial communities and elemental cycling processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changcai Wu
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan 455000, China; Western Agricultural Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji 831100, China; Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Zhengzhou University, 450001 Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xianpeng Song
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan 455000, China
| | - Dan Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan 455000, China
| | - Yajie Ma
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan 455000, China
| | - Yongpan Shan
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan 455000, China
| | - Xiangliang Ren
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan 455000, China; Western Agricultural Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji 831100, China
| | - Hongyan Hu
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan 455000, China; Western Agricultural Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji 831100, China
| | - Jinjie Cui
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan 455000, China; Western Agricultural Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji 831100, China; Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Zhengzhou University, 450001 Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Yan Ma
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan 455000, China; Western Agricultural Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji 831100, China; Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Zhengzhou University, 450001 Zhengzhou, China.
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19
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Lian Y, Shi R, Liu J, Zeb A, Wang Q, Wang J, Yu M, Li J, Zheng Z, Ali N, Bao Y, Liu W. Effects of polystyrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene microplastics on the soil-rhizosphere-plant system: Phytotoxicity, enzyme activity, and microbial community. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133417. [PMID: 38183945 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133417] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
The widespread presence of soil microplastics (MPs) has become a global environmental problem. MPs of different properties (i.e., types, sizes, and concentrations) are present in the environment, while studies about the impact of MPs having different properties are limited. Thus, this study investigated the effects of three common polymers (polystyrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene) with two concentrations (0.01% and 0.1% w/w) on growth and stress response of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), soil enzymes, and rhizosphere microbial community. Lettuce growth was inhibited under MPs treatments. Moreover, the antioxidant system, metabolism composition, and phyllosphere microbiome of lettuce leaves was also perturbed. MPs reduced phytase activity and significantly increased dehydrogenase activity. The diversity and structure of rhizosphere microbial community were disturbed by MPs and more sensitive to polystyrene microplastics (PSMPs) and polypropylene microplastics (PPMPs). In general, the results by partial least squares pathway models (PLS-PMs) showed that the presence of MPs influenced the soil-rhizosphere-plant system, which may have essential implications for assessing the environmental risk of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhang Lian
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Ruiying Shi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jinzheng Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Aurang Zeb
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Qi Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jianling Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Miao Yu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jiantao Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Zeqi Zheng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Nouman Ali
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yanyu Bao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Weitao Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China.
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20
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Li Z, Song Z, Qiu L, Cao Y, Gu H, Wang Z, Liu X, Qian X. Quantitative distribution and quantized ecological threat of microplastics in farmland: Shanghai as an example. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133069. [PMID: 38056264 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in farmlands poses a threat to soil health and crop yield. There needs to be more research on the role of cropping patterns in the accumulation of MPs and quantizing the threat of MPs on soil health and crop yield. In this study, a field study was carried out to explore the role of cropping patterns in the accumulation of MPs in agricultural soil in Shanghai, China. Furthermore, the specific effect and importance of MPs and each soil physicochemical indicator to soil health and crop yield were clarified, and the threat of MPs in reducing soil health and crop yield was quantized. Relative lower MPs abundance was detected in Shanghai. MPs abundance in vegetable fields was significantly higher than that in orchards. The broad source of MPs, the acceleration of plastics breaking under artificial disturbance and warmer temperatures, and the block of MPs exchange could account for the quicker accumulation of MPs in vegetable fields. MPs have a negligible effect on microbial diversity and metabolic activity which plays a role in soil enzyme activity. Besides, MPs served as one of the critical factors for rice yield reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengwen Li
- Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Zhaofeng Song
- Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Linlin Qiu
- School of Resources·&·Environmental-Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yan Cao
- Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Hairong Gu
- Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Zhenqi Wang
- Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Xiang Liu
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Xiaoyong Qian
- Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai, 200233, China.
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21
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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: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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.
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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.
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22
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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.
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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.
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23
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Liu M, Wang C, Zhu B. Independent and combined effects of microplastics pollution and drought on soil bacterial community. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 913:169749. [PMID: 38160843 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169749] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Global terrestrial ecosystems are simultaneously threatened by multiple environmental pressures, with microplastics (MPs) pollution and drought possibly being the most pressing, both of which may have unanticipated effects on soil organisms. Here, we investigated the responses of diversity, composition and functions of soil bacterial community to MPs pollution (including two MPs types: polyethylene (PE) and polylactic acid (PLA); two MPs sizes: < 20 μm and <300 μm) and drought in microcosms. We found that only 20 μm PLA MPs significantly decreased soil bacterial diversity by 17.4 % and altered soil bacterial community composition, while PE MPs and 300 μm PLA MPs had no significant effects. The copiotrophic bacteria (i.e., Proteobacteria and Firmicutes) were enriched in the 20 μm PLA MPs pollution soils due to the enhanced dissolved organic carbon contents. Moreover, our results showed that the 20 μm PLA MPs also affected the potential phenotypes and functions of soil bacterial community, increasing the potentially pathogenic, stress-tolerant, containing mobile elements and forming biofilms phenotypes, and promoting membrane transport and signal transduction pathways. These results suggested that the effects of MPs on soil bacterial community varied depending on MPs types and sizes. However, drought significantly increased soil bacterial diversity by 10.3 % and affected soil bacterial community composition in the 20 μm PLA MPs pollution soils. We also found that drought inhibited the levels of potentially pathogenic, containing mobile elements and forming biofilms phenotypes in the 20 μm PLA MPs pollution soils. Taken together, these findings reveal that drought may alleviate the adverse effects of MPs pollution on soil bacterial community, which enhances our understanding of the interactive effects of multiple global change factors on agroecosystem functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengli Liu
- Institute of Ecology, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, and Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Chong Wang
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Biao Zhu
- Institute of Ecology, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, and Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
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24
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Shi W, Wu N, Zhang Z, Liu Y, Chen J, Li J. A global review on the abundance and threats of microplastics in soils to terrestrial ecosystem and human health. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169469. [PMID: 38154650 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169469] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Soil is the source and sink of microplastics (MPs), which is more polluted than water and air. In this paper, the pollution levels of MPs in the agriculture, roadside, urban and landfill soils were reviewed, and the influence of MPs on soil ecosystem, including soil properties, microorganisms, animals and plants, was discussed. According to the results of in vivo and in vitro experiments, the possible risks of MPs to soil ecosystem and human health were predicted. Finally, in light of the current status of MPs research, several prospects are provided for future research directions to better evaluate the ecological risk and human health risk of MPs. MPs concentrations in global agricultural soils, roadside soils, urban soils and landfill soils had a great variance in different studies and locations. The participation of MPs has an impact on all aspects of terrestrial ecosystems. For soil properties, pH value, bulk density, pore space and evapotranspiration can be changed by MPs. For microorganisms, MPs can alter the diversity and abundance of microbiome, and different MPs have different effects on bacteria and fungi differently. For plants, MPs may interfere with their biochemical and physiological conditions and produce a wide range of toxic effects, such as inhibiting plant growth, delaying or reducing seed germination, reducing biological and fruit yield, and interfering with photosynthesis. For soil animals, MPs can affect their mobility, growth rate and reproductive capacity. At present epidemiological evidences regarding MPs exposure and negative human health effects are unavailable, but in vitro and in vivo data suggest that they pose various threats to human health, including respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, endocrine system, nervous system, and circulation system. In conclusion, the existence and danger of MPs cannot be ignored and requires a global effort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenshan Shi
- School of Public Health, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Nan Wu
- School of Geography, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Zengli Zhang
- School of Public Health, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Yuting Liu
- School of Public Health, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jingsi Chen
- School of Public Health, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jiafu Li
- School of Public Health, MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
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25
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Grifoni M, Pellegrino E, Arrighetti L, Bronco S, Pezzarossa B, Ercoli L. Interactive impacts of microplastics and arsenic on agricultural soil and plant traits. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169058. [PMID: 38070573 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169058] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
The ability of microplastics (MPs) to interact with environmental pollutants is currently of great concern due to the increasing use of plastic. Agricultural soils are sinks for multipollutants and the safety of biodegradable MPs in field conditions is questioned. However, still few studies have investigated the interactive effects between MPs and metals on the soil-plant system with agricultural soil and testing crops for human consumption. In this work, we tested the effect on soil and plant parameters of two common MPs, non-degradable plastic low-density polyethylene and biodegradable polymer polylactic acid at two different sizes (<250 μm and 250-300 μm) in association with arsenic (As). Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) was used as a model plant in a small-scale experiment lasting 60 days. Microplastics and As explained 12 % and 47 % of total variance, respectively, while their interaction explained 21 %, suggesting a higher toxic impact of As than MPs. Plant growth was promoted by MPs alone, especially when biodegradable MPs were added (+22 %). However, MPs did not affect nutrient concentrations in roots and leaves. The effect of MPs on enzyme activities was variable depending on the time of exposure (with larger effects immediately after exposure), the type and size of the MPs. On the contrary, the co-application of MP and As, although it did not change the amount of bioavailable As in soil in the short and medium term, it resulted in a significant decrease in lettuce biomass (-19 %) and root nutrient concentrations, especially when polylactic acid was applied. Generally, MPs in association with As determined the plant-soil toxicity. This work provides insights into the risk of copollution of MPs and As in agricultural soil and its phytotoxic effect for agricultural crops. However, the mechanisms of the joint effect of MP and As on plant toxicity need further investigation, especially under field conditions and in long-term experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Grifoni
- Crop Science Research Center (CSRC), Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisa Pellegrino
- Crop Science Research Center (CSRC), Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Leonardo Arrighetti
- Institute for Chemical and Physical Processes, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, CNR-IPCF, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Simona Bronco
- Institute for Chemical and Physical Processes, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, CNR-IPCF, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Beatrice Pezzarossa
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, CNR-IRET, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Ercoli
- Crop Science Research Center (CSRC), Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy
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26
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Bodor A, Feigl G, Kolossa B, Mészáros E, Laczi K, Kovács E, Perei K, Rákhely G. Soils in distress: The impacts and ecological risks of (micro)plastic pollution in the terrestrial environment. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 269:115807. [PMID: 38091673 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115807] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Plastics have revolutionised human industries, thanks to their versatility and durability. However, their extensive use, coupled with inadequate waste disposal, has resulted in plastic becoming ubiquitous in every environmental compartment, posing potential risks to the economy, human health and the environment. Additionally, under natural conditions, plastic waste breaks down into microplastics (MPs<5 mm). The increasing quantity of MPs exerts a significant burden on the soil environment, particularly in agroecosystems, presenting a new stressor for soil-dwelling organisms. In this review, we delve into the effects of MP pollution on soil ecosystems, with a specific attention to (a) MP transport to soils, (b) potential changes of MPs under environmental conditions, (c) and their interaction with the physical, chemical and biological components of the soil. We aim to shed light on the alterations in the distribution, activity, physiology and growth of soil flora, fauna and microorganisms in response to MPs, offering an ecotoxicological perspective for environmental risk assessment of plastics. The effects of MPs are strongly influenced by their intrinsic traits, including polymer type, shape, size and abundance. By exploring the multifaceted interactions between MPs and the soil environment, we provide critical insights into the consequences of plastic contamination. Despite the growing body of research, there remain substantial knowledge gaps regarding the long-term impact of MPs on the soil. Our work underscores the importance of continued research efforts and the adoption of standardised approaches to address plastic pollution and ensure a sustainable future for our planet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila Bodor
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary; Institute of Biophysics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Gábor Feigl
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Bálint Kolossa
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Enikő Mészáros
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Krisztián Laczi
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Etelka Kovács
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Katalin Perei
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gábor Rákhely
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary; Institute of Biophysics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
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27
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Khan Z, Shah T, Asad M, Amjad K, Alsahli AA, Ahmad P. Alleviation of microplastic toxicity in soybean by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi: Regulating glyoxalase system and root nodule organic acid. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 349:119377. [PMID: 37897896 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119377] [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: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic accumulation in the soil-plant system can stress plants and affect products quality. Currently, studies on the effect of microplastics on plants are not consistent and underlying molecular mechanisms are yet unknown. Here for the first time, we performed a study to explore the molecular mechanism underlying the growth of soybean plants in soil contaminated with various types of microplastics (PS and HDPE) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) (presence/absence). Our results revealed that a dose-dependent decline was observed in plant growth, chlorophyll content, and yield of soybean under MPs stress. The addition of MPs resulted in oxidative stress closely related to hydrogen peroxide generation (H2O2), methylglyoxal (MG) levels, lipid peroxidation (MDA), and lipoxygenase (LOX). In contrast, MPs addition enhanced mycorrhizal colonization and dependency relative to control while the rubisco and root activity declined. All the genes (GmHMA13 and GmHMA19) were downregulated in the presence of MPs except GmHMA18 in roots. AMF inoculation alleviated MPs-induced phytotoxic effects on colonization, rubisco activity, root activity and restored the growth of soybean. Under MPs exposure, AMF inoculation induced plant defense system via improved regulation of antioxidant enzymes, ascorbate, glutathione pool, and glyoxalase system. AMF upregulated the genes responsible for metals uptake in soybean under MPs stress. The antioxidant and glyoxalase systems coordinated regulation expressively inhibited the oxidative and carbonyl stress at both MPs types. Hence, AMF inoculation may be considered an effective approach for minimizing MPs toxicity and its adverse effects on growth of soybean grown on MPs-contaminated soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeeshan Khan
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Atta-Ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, (NUST) Campus, H-12, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Tariq Shah
- Plant Science Research Unit United States Department for Agriculture -Agricultural Research Service, Raleigh, NC, USA.
| | - Muhammad Asad
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Atta-Ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, (NUST) Campus, H-12, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Khadija Amjad
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Atta-Ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, (NUST) Campus, H-12, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Abdulaziz Abdullah Alsahli
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Parvaiz Ahmad
- Department of Botany, GDC Pulwama, 192301, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
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Shah T, Khan Z, Khan SR, Imran A, Asad M, Ahmad A, Ahmad P. Silicon inhibits cadmium uptake by regulating the genes associated with the lignin biosynthetic pathway and plant hormone signal transduction in maize plants. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:123996-124009. [PMID: 37995035 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31044-z] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) contamination in soil poses a severe threat to plant growth and development. In contrast, silicon (Si) has shown promise in enhancing plant resilience under Cd-induced stress. In this study, we conducted an integrated investigation employing morphological studies, gene expression analysis, and metabolomics to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying Cd tolerance in maize plants. Our results demonstrate that Si biofortification significantly mitigated Cd stress by reducing Cd accumulation in plant tissues, increasing Si content, and enhancing maize biomass in Cd-stressed plants resulted in a substantial enhancement in shoot dry weight (+ 75%) and root dry weight (+ 30%). Notably, Si treatment upregulated key lignin-related genes (TaPAL, TaCAD, Ta4CL, and TaCOMT) and promoted the accumulation of metabolites (sinapyl alcohol, phenylalanine, p-coumaryl alcohol, cafeyl alcohol, and coniferaldehyde) essential for cell wall strength, particularly under Cd stress conditions. Si application enriched the signal transduction by hormones and increased resistance by induction of biosynthesis genes (TaBZR1, TaLOX3, and TaNCDE1) and metabolites (brassinolide, abscisic acid, and jasmonate) in the roots and leaves under Cd stress. Furthermore, our study provides a comprehensive view of the intricate molecular crosstalk between Si, Cd stress, and plant hormonal responses. We unveil a network of genetic and metabolic interactions that culminate in a multifaceted defense system, enabling maize plants to thrive even in the presence of Cd-contaminated soil. This knowledge not only advances our understanding of the protective role of Si but also highlights the broader implications for sustainable agricultural practices. By harnessing the insights gained from this research, we may pave the way for innovative strategies to fortify crops against environmental stressors, ultimately contributing to the goal of food security in an ever-changing world. In summary, our research offers valuable insights into the protective mechanisms facilitated by Si, which enhance plants' ability to withstand environmental stress, and holds promise for future applications in sustainable agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tariq Shah
- Plant Science Research Unit United States, Department for Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Zeeshan Khan
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Atta-Ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Shah Rukh Khan
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Atta-Ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Ayesha Imran
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Atta-Ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Asad
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Atta-Ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Ajaz Ahmad
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, King Saud University, 11451, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Parvaiz Ahmad
- Department of Botany, GDC Pulwama, 192301, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
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Zhang Z, Yu H, Tao M, Lv T, Li D, Yu D, Liu C. Shifting enzyme activity and microbial composition in sediment coregulate the structure of an aquatic plant community under polyethylene microplastic exposure. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 901:166497. [PMID: 37611699 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
It has been shown that microplastics (MPs) interfere with critical biological processes (including development, growth and fitness); however, there is no information about the impact of MPs on plant productivity and community structure in freshwater ecosystems. Here, we investigated the effects of two sizes (MIC: 20-300 μm, MAC: 2-3 mm) and three concentrations (0.03 %, 0.3 %, and 0.6 %) of low-density polyethylene MPs on submerged plant communities. The results showed that plant responses to MPs were species specific, which can affect plant community structure. For canopy-forming species (Hydrilla verticillata), total biomass increased by 4 %-46 % and relative abundance increased by 23 %-34 % under MP exposure, while rosette-forming species (Vallisneria natans) decreased by 44 %-67 % in total biomass and relative abundance decreased by 54 %-71 %. Myriophyllum spicatum growth was largely unaffected by MPs. Community diversity was negatively correlated with MAC treatments, and the community root to shoot ratio decreased by 40 %, while community productivity increased by 41 % at a 0.6 % MAC concentration. Although MPs did not change the microbial community composition, alpha diversity was reduced at the 0.6 % concentration. It is worth noting that 0.6 % is a higher concentration than most field sediment investigations. During the experiment, the activity of functional enzymes related to carbon and nitrogen increased under most MP treatments. Structural equation modelling showed that MIC changed the community structure mainly by driving sediment enzyme activity, while MAC changed the community structure mainly by driving plant growth. The results implied that MPs may affect sediment enzymatic activities, microbial alpha diversity and aquatic plant growth, potentially altering the diversity and stability of aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Zhang
- The National Field Station of Freshwater Ecosystem of Liangzi Lake, College of Life Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Hongwei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Min Tao
- The National Field Station of Freshwater Ecosystem of Liangzi Lake, College of Life Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Tian Lv
- The National Field Station of Freshwater Ecosystem of Liangzi Lake, College of Life Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Dexiang Li
- The National Field Station of Freshwater Ecosystem of Liangzi Lake, College of Life Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Dan Yu
- The National Field Station of Freshwater Ecosystem of Liangzi Lake, College of Life Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Chunhua Liu
- The National Field Station of Freshwater Ecosystem of Liangzi Lake, College of Life Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China.
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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: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [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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Li X, Ullah S, Chen N, Tong X, Yang N, Liu J, Guo X, Tang Z. Phytotoxicity assessment of dandelion exposed to microplastics using membership function value and integrated biological response index. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 333:121933. [PMID: 37277069 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution is a critical environmental issue. Dandelions could be used as a biomonitor of environmental pollution. However, the ecotoxicology of MPs in dandelions remains unclear. Therefore, the toxic effects of polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polypropylene (PP) at concentrations of 0, 10, 100, and 1000 mg L-1 on the germination and early seedling growth of dandelion were investigated. PS and PP inhibited seed germination and decreased root length and biomass while promoting membrane lipid peroxidation, increasing O2•-, H2O2, SP, and proline contents, and enhancing the activities of SOD, POD, and CAT. Principal component analysis (PCA) and membership function value (MFV) analysis indicated that PS and PP could be more harmful than PE in dandelion, especially at 1000 mg L-1. In addition, according to the integrated biological response (IBRv2) index analysis, O2•-, CAT, and proline were sensitive biomarkers of dandelion contamination by MPs. Here we provide evidence that dandelion has the potential to be a biomonitor to assess the phytotoxicity of MPs pollution, especially PS with high toxicity. Meanwhile, we believe that if dandelion is to be used as a biomonitor for MPs, attention should also be paid to the practical safety of dandelion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingfan Li
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Resource Utilization, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China; Key Laboratory of Forest Plant Ecology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Shakir Ullah
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Resource Utilization, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China; Key Laboratory of Forest Plant Ecology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Ning Chen
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Resource Utilization, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China; Key Laboratory of Forest Plant Ecology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Xin Tong
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Resource Utilization, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China; Key Laboratory of Forest Plant Ecology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Nan Yang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Resource Utilization, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China; Key Laboratory of Forest Plant Ecology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Key Laboratory of Soybean Molecular Design Breeding, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Xiaorui Guo
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Resource Utilization, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China; Key Laboratory of Forest Plant Ecology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Zhonghua Tang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Resource Utilization, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China; Key Laboratory of Forest Plant Ecology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
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Shah T, Khan Z, Asad M, Imran A, Khan Niazi MB, Alsahli AA. Alleviation of cadmium toxicity in wheat by strigolactone: Regulating cadmium uptake, nitric oxide signaling, and genes encoding antioxidant defense system. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2023; 202:107916. [PMID: 37595403 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.107916] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) in the food system poses a serious threat to human health. The evidence on strigolactones-mediated alleviation of abiotic stress signaling and eliciting physiological modifications in plants is scarce. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to explore the role of exogenous applied strigolactone (SL) in alleviating the toxic effects of Cd and to unravel its physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms in wheat. Excessive accumulation of Cd drastically reduces growth attributes (-15%), nitric oxide signaling, and photosynthetic pigments by increasing oxidative stress biomarkers. Foliar applied SL (4 μM) decreased the Cd-induced growth inhibition (+10%), lessened plant Cd contents (-38% and -36%), shielded chlorophyll pigments (+25%), and considerably decreased Cd-induced oxidative stress in wheat. Moreover, SL applied on wheat foliage remarkably enhanced shoot and root nitric oxide content (+122% and +156%) and nitric oxide synthase activity (104% and 92%) in wheat, efficiently mitigating the Cd-induced suppression of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase, elevating the expression of genes encoding antioxidant defense system. The results of the current research exhibit that SL (GR24) could be a potential candidate for detoxification of Cd by reducing Cd contents, elevating the expression of genes encoding antioxidant defense system, and protecting wheat plants from oxidative stress by indirectly reducing oxidative stress biomarkers andsubsequently contributing to decreasing the possible risk of Cd contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tariq Shah
- Plant Science Research Unit United States Department for Agriculture -Agricultural Research Service, Raleigh, NC, USA; Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Crop Production Sciences, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, 25130, Pakistan.
| | - Zeeshan Khan
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Asad
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Ayesha Imran
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Bilal Khan Niazi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
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Shah T, Asad M, Khan Z, Amjad K, Alsahli AA, D'amato R. Strigolactone decreases cadmium concentrations by regulating cadmium localization and glyoxalase defense system: Effects on nodules organic acids and soybean yield. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 335:139028. [PMID: 37268233 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
To decrease environmental and human health risks associated with crop and soil contamination, alternative solutions are still needed. The information on strigolactones (SLs)-mediated elicitation of abiotic stress signaling and triggering physiological alterations is scarce in the plant. To unravel the same, soybean plants were subjected to cadmium (Cd) stress (20 mg kg-1), presence or absence of foliar applied SL (GR24) at the concentration of 10 μM. Excess Cd accumulation causes reduced growth (-52% shoot and +24% root), yield (-35%), physio-biochemical markers, organic acid production, and genes encoding heavy metal resilience in soybean. SL exogenous application decreased the growth and yield suppression (-12%), shielded chlorophyll (+3%), and prominently declined Cd-induced oxidative stress biomarkers accumulation in soybean. Moreover, SL effectively alleviates Cd-induced suppression in organic acids, superoxide dismutase (+73%), catalase activities (+117%), and increments ascorbate glutathione (ASA-GSH) cycle activities comprising ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, dehydroascorbate reductase, and monodehydroascorbate reductase. SL-mediated upregulation of genes encoding heavy metals tolerance and glyoxalase defense system in Cd stressed plants. The results of this work point out that SL could be a promising player in mitigating Cd-induced injuries effectively in soybean. It acts through the antioxidant system modulation for redox homeostasis, shielding chloroplasts, enhancing photosynthetic apparatus, and elevating organic acid production in soybean plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tariq Shah
- Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Crop Production Sciences, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, 25130, Pakistan; Plant Science Research Unit, United States Department for Agriculture, NC, USA.
| | - Muhammad Asad
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rehman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Zeeshan Khan
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rehman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Khadija Amjad
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rehman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Abdulaziz Abdullah Alsahli
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Roberto D'amato
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Khalid AR, Shah T, Asad M, Ali A, Samee E, Adnan F, Bhatti MF, Marhan S, Kammann CI, Haider G. Biochar alleviated the toxic effects of PVC microplastic in a soil-plant system by upregulating soil enzyme activities and microbial abundance. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023:121810. [PMID: 37201571 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Plastics have become an emerging pollutant threatening the sustainability of agroecosystems and global food security. Biochar, a pro-ecosystem/negative carbon emission technology can be exploited as a circular approach for the conservation of plastics contaminated agricultural soils. However, relatively few studies have focused on the effects of biochar on plant growth and soil biochemical properties in a microplastic contaminated soil. This study investigated the effects of a cotton stalk (Gossypium hirsutum L.) biochar on plant growth, soil microbes, and enzyme activity in PVC microplastic (PVC-MPs) contaminated soil. Biochar amendment increased shoot dry matter production in PVC-MPs contaminated soil. However, PVC-MPs alone significantly reduced the soil urease and dehydrogenase activity, soil organic and microbial biomass carbon, bacterial/fungal community percentage, and their abundance (16S rRNA and 18S rRNA genes, respectively). Interestingly, biochar amendment with PVC-MPs significantly alleviated the hazardous effects. Principal component and redundancy analysis of the soil properties, bacterial 16S rRNA genes, and fungal ITS in the biochar-amended PVC-MPs treatments revealed that the observed traits formed an obvious cluster compared to non-biochar treatments. To sum up, this study indicated that PVC-MPs contamination was not benign, while biochar shielded the hazardous effects and sustained soil microbial functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attia Rubab Khalid
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Tariq Shah
- Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Crop Production Sciences, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan; Plant Science Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Muhammad Asad
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Ahmad Ali
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Eisha Samee
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Fazal Adnan
- Department of Industrial Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Faraz Bhatti
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Sven Marhan
- Soil Biology Department, Institute of Soil Science and Land Evaluation, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Claudia I Kammann
- Department of Applied Ecology, Hochschule Geisenheim University, Geisenheim, Germany
| | - Ghulam Haider
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan.
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