Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 15, 2026
Visualization of Gut Microbiota-host Interactions via Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization, Lectin Staining, and Imaging
Published on: July 9, 2021
Novel staining-microscopy workflow visualizes microfibers in soil-plant systems: Implications for sustainable
Zhangling Chen1, Laura J Carter2, Steven A Banwart3
1School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom; School of Geography, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
Microfibers (MFs), primarily originating from sewage sludge and laundry effluents, are the most prevalent form of microplastics (MPs) in agricultural soils. While their ecological effects have been explored, the visualization, crop-level accumulation, and potential transport mechanisms of MFs within soil-plant systems remain poorly understood. This study combines 1,3,6,8-pyrene tetrasulfonic acid (PTSA) fluorescent staining with a sequential multimodal microscopy workflow to effectively track the distribution, adsorption, accumulation, and uptake of MFs under realistic soil cultivation conditions. Three edible vegetables-lettuce, Chinese cabbage, and cherry radish-were used to evaluate species-specific response patterns. The results revealed clear differences in MF interactions across species: lettuce exhibited strong MF adsorption on root surfaces and subsequent penetration via crack-entry and apoplastic pathways without entering cells. In contrast, Chinese cabbage and cherry radish showed limited MF adsorption and no uptake. These patterns were associated with root permeability and antioxidative capacities, indicating that plant functional traits play a critical role in determining the transport capacity of MPs. Beyond introducing a novel method for MF visualization in complex terrestrial matrices, this study provides new insights into the risks posed by MFs to soil-plant systems. The findings also highlight potential threats to food safety and underscore the need to establish plant-specific thresholds and pollution mitigation strategies to support sustainable agriculture and protect public health.
Insights
Microfibers (MFs) in soil accumulate differently in plants. Lettuce adsorbs MFs on roots, while Chinese cabbage and radish show minimal uptake, highlighting plant traits
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Soil Science
- Plant Biology
Background:
- Microfibers (MFs) are the most common microplastics (MPs) in agricultural soils, originating from sources like sewage sludge and laundry.
- Understanding MF visualization, crop accumulation, and transport in soil-plant systems is crucial but remains limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and apply a novel method for tracking MF distribution, adsorption, accumulation, and uptake in soil-plant systems.
- To investigate species-specific responses of edible vegetables (lettuce, Chinese cabbage, cherry radish) to MF contamination.
- To identify plant functional traits influencing MF transport and accumulation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 1,3,6,8-pyrene tetrasulfonic acid (PTSA) fluorescent staining for MF visualization.
- Employed a sequential multimodal microscopy workflow for tracking MFs in soil-plant interactions.
- Cultivated lettuce, Chinese cabbage, and cherry radish under realistic soil conditions with MFs.
Main Results:
- Lettuce showed significant MF adsorption on root surfaces, with penetration via crack-entry and apoplastic pathways, but no intracellular uptake.
- Chinese cabbage and cherry radish exhibited limited MF adsorption and no observable uptake.
- Plant root permeability and antioxidative capacities correlated with MF interaction patterns, indicating the role of plant functional traits.
Conclusions:
- This study introduces an effective method for visualizing MFs in complex soil-plant environments.
- Plant functional traits significantly influence the accumulation and transport of microfibers in edible crops.
- Findings highlight potential risks to soil-plant systems, food safety, and the need for sustainable agriculture strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:13Special Staining Techniques
01:03Fixation and Sectioning
The simplest type of preparation is the wet mount, in which the specimen is placed in a drop of liquid on the slide. A liquid specimen can be directly deposited on the slide using a dropper. Solid specimens, such as skin scraping, can be placed on the slide before adding a drop of liquid to prepare the wet mount. Sometimes the liquid is simply water, but stains are often added...
01:24Simple Staining Technique