Microplastic-Induced Oxidative Stress in Metolachlor-Degrading Filamentous Fungus Trichoderma harzianum

While there has been intensive research on the influence of microplastics (MPs) on aquatic organisms and humans, their effect on microorganisms is relatively little-known. The present study describes the response of the Trichoderma harzianum strain to low-density polyethylene (LDPE) microparticles. MPs, either separately or with metolachlor (MET), were added to the cultures. Initially, MP was not found to have a negative effect on fungal growth and MET degradation. After 72 h of cultivation, the content of fungal biomass in samples with MPs was almost three times higher than that in the cultures without MPs. Additionally, a 75% degradation of the initial MET was observed. However, due to the qualitative and quantitative changes in individual classes of phospholipids, cell membrane permeability was increased. Additionally, MPs induced the overproduction of reactive oxygen species. The activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase was also increased in response to MPs. Despite these defense mechanisms, there was enhanced lipid peroxidation in the cultures containing the LDPE microparticles. The results of the study may fill the knowledge gap on the influence of MPs on filamentous fungi. The findings will be helpful in future research on the biodegradation of contaminants coexisting with MPs in soil.