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Expanded polystyrene (EPS) litter is interacting with native plants in Italian waterways. This study found six plant species growing on EPS seedling trays, suggesting a potential role for this plastic debris in plant dispersal.

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Botany
  • Ecology

Background:

  • Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is a prevalent form of anthropogenic litter in natural environments, especially waterways.
  • There is a lack of research on the interaction between EPS litter and biodiversity components.
  • EPS seedling trays from agricultural activities are a notable source of this litter.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report the first evidence of interaction between expanded polystyrene (EPS) and living native plants.
  • To investigate the role of EPS litter in plant colonization and community assembly.
  • To assess if plant assemblages on EPS are a random process or influenced by substrate selection.

Main Methods:

  • Sampling of EPS seedling trays from an artificial drainage channel in a land reclaimed area.
  • Quantifying the percentage of occupied seedling holes and identifying plant species present on the EPS.
  • Comparing the plant species found on EPS with those in the surrounding riverine vegetation.

Main Results:

  • Six native plant species were found colonizing EPS seedling trays.
  • 16.88% of 231 available seedling holes on the sampled EPS trays were occupied by plants.
  • The plant species assemblage on EPS was comparable to that of the adjacent channel sides.

Conclusions:

  • Floating EPS trays provide a substrate for native plant colonization, representing a novel interaction between plastic litter and flora.
  • The observed plant community on EPS suggests it may act as a passive vector for seed dispersal.
  • Further research is required to determine if EPS substrate exerts selective pressure on plant community composition.