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Polyethylene microplastics alter root functionality and affect strawberry plant physiology and fruit quality traits.

C Ceccanti1, A Davini1, E Lo Piccolo2

  • 1Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, via del Borghetto, 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy.

Journal of Hazardous Materials
|April 7, 2024
PubMed
Summary

Polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) negatively impact strawberry plants, reducing fruit weight and quality. Smaller PE-MPs adsorbed to roots caused the most damage, affecting plant water status and physiology.

Keywords:
Fragaria × ananassaOxidative stressPhotosynthesisRoot damageStomatal limitations

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Area of Science:

  • Agricultural Science
  • Environmental Science
  • Plant Physiology

Background:

  • Strawberries are globally popular fruits valued for taste and health benefits.
  • Microplastic contamination in agricultural soils is a growing environmental concern.
  • Understanding the impact of microplastics on crop physiology and fruit quality is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effects of polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) on strawberry plant physiology and fruit quality.
  • To investigate the influence of PE-MP size and concentration on plant stress responses.
  • To assess the impact on root structure, CO2 assimilation, and fruit characteristics.

Main Methods:

  • Strawberry plants were cultivated in soil amended with PE-MPs of varying sizes (35 µm and 125 µm) and concentrations (0.02% and 0.2% w/w).
  • Plant physiological parameters, including CO2 assimilation and oxidative stress markers in roots, were measured.
  • Root histochemical and anatomical analyses were performed.
  • Fruit biometric data and quality attributes (weight, soluble solids, anthocyanins) were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • The most severe physiological impacts, including reduced CO2 assimilation and increased root oxidative stress, were observed with 35 µm PE-MPs at 0.2% concentration.
  • While plant biomass remained unaffected, fruit quality was significantly compromised.
  • Fruit weight decreased by 42%, soluble solids by 10%, and anthocyanin content by 25% in the 35 µm/0.2% PE-MP treatment.
  • Smallest PE-MPs adhered to roots, damaging the root apparatus and impairing plant water status.

Conclusions:

  • Polyethylene microplastics, particularly smaller sizes, can significantly impair strawberry plant physiology and fruit quality.
  • Root damage and altered water status are key mechanisms through which PE-MPs affect plant health.
  • Further research is needed to explore the effects of different microplastic types and their long-term impact on fruit physio-chemistry.