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Updated: May 17, 2025
Separation and Identification of Conventional Microplastics from Farmland Soils
Published on: March 21, 2025
Microplastic-induced alterations in growth and microecology of mulberry seedlings: Implications for sustainable
Huazhou Wu1, Xiaoyan Sun2, Dezhao Lou3
1Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, China; School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China.
Abstract:
This study investigated the ecotoxicological effects of polyethylene (PE) and polylactic acid (PLA) microplastics (MPs) on mulberry growth and soil-microbe interactions through controlled pot experiments (0.1 % and 1 % concentrations). PE exposure significantly increased mulberry height by 16 % (0.1 %) and 18 % (1 %) (p < 0.05), whereas PLA reduced total biomass by 12 % (0.1 %) and 66 % (1 %), highlighting polymer- and concentration-dependent responses. MPs differentially modulated soil biogeochemistry: PE decreased nitrate and ammonium nitrogen levels while enhancing nitrogen fixation (nifH) (from 0.9 × 107 to 6.1 × 107 copies/g) and denitrification (nirK) (from 1.0 × 108 to 1.9 × 108 copies/g) gene expression via Acidobacteriota enrichment, which was correlated with increased soil organic matter mobilisation and photosynthetic rates. PLA disrupted phosphorus cycling and destabilised structure of fungal communities critical for nutrient assimilation. Structural equation modelling identified direct microplastic-soil-plant linkages, with real-time polymerase chain reaction validating PE-driven suppression of nitrogen loss through microbial functional shifts. These findings illuminate the dual roles of microplastics as ecological stressors and modifiers, providing actionable insights for balancing agricultural productivity and soil health in MP-contaminated forest ecosystems.
Insights
Polyethylene (PE) and polylactic acid (PLA) microplastics impact mulberry growth and soil microbes differently. PE enhanced plant height and nitrogen cycling, while PLA reduced biomass and disrupted fungal communities.
Area of Science:
- Ecotoxicology
- Soil Science
- Environmental Chemistry
Background:
- Microplastic contamination is a growing global concern, impacting terrestrial ecosystems.
- Understanding the ecotoxicological effects of different microplastic types on plant-soil systems is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the differential effects of polyethylene (PE) and polylactic acid (PLA) microplastics on mulberry growth.
- To analyze the impact of PE and PLA microplastics on soil biogeochemistry and microbial communities.
- To elucidate the direct and indirect linkages between microplastics, soil properties, and plant health.
Main Methods:
- Controlled pot experiments were conducted using varying concentrations (0.1% and 1%) of PE and PLA microplastics.
- Mulberry growth parameters (height, biomass) were measured.
- Soil biogeochemistry was assessed by quantifying nitrogen fixation (nifH) and denitrification (nirK) gene expression.
- Microbial community structure (Acidobacteriota, fungi) was analyzed.
- Structural equation modeling and real-time polymerase chain reaction were employed.
Main Results:
- PE microplastics significantly increased mulberry height and enhanced nitrogen fixation and denitrification genes, linked to Acidobacteriota enrichment and soil organic matter mobilization.
- PLA microplastics significantly reduced total mulberry biomass and disrupted phosphorus cycling and fungal community structure.
- Polymer type and concentration-dependent responses were observed for both plant growth and soil microbial functions.
- Direct microplastic-soil-plant linkages were established, demonstrating PE's role in suppressing nitrogen loss via microbial shifts.
Conclusions:
- Microplastics exert differential ecotoxicological effects on mulberry plants and soil microbial communities, dependent on polymer type and concentration.
- PE microplastics can alter soil biogeochemistry, potentially benefiting plant growth by enhancing nitrogen cycling.
- PLA microplastics pose a greater risk, negatively impacting plant biomass and soil microbial health.
- Findings highlight the complex role of microplastics as both stressors and modifiers in agricultural ecosystems, informing strategies for managing contaminated environments.
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