Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 7, 2026

Isolation of Native Soil Microorganisms with Potential for Breaking Down Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films Used in Agriculture
13:38

Isolation of Native Soil Microorganisms with Potential for Breaking Down Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films Used in Agriculture

Published on: May 10, 2013

31.3K

Synthetic microbiota for microplastic degradation modulates rhizosphere fungal diversity and metabolic function in

Yue Deng1,2, Peng Xiang3, Mei Zhang2

  • 1Engineering Research Center of Biomass Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences and Agri-forestry, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan, China.

Frontiers in Microbiology
|December 25, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Microplastic pollution harms highland barley nutrition. A synthetic microbiota consortium degraded microplastics, improved grain nutrients, and enhanced soil fungal communities, offering a promising bioremediation strategy for agricultural soils.

Area of Science:

  • Agricultural Science
  • Environmental Science
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Microplastic (MP) pollution poses a significant threat to agricultural sustainability and crop nutritional quality.
  • Polystyrene MPs, varying in size and concentration, impact soil health and crop development.
  • Understanding the interaction between MPs, soil microbiota, and crop nutrition is crucial for developing remediation strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of polystyrene MPs and a synthetic microbiota consortium (MPDSM) on highland barley's nutritional profile.
  • To analyze the impact of MPs and MPDSM on the rhizosphere fungal communities of highland barley.
  • To evaluate the potential of MPDSM as a bioremediation strategy for MP-contaminated agricultural soils.

Main Methods:

  • Highland barley was treated with polystyrene MPs (<1 mm and 1-5 mm at 1, 10, 50 g/m²) and/or MPDSM.
  • Grain nutritional profiles (minerals, phytochemicals, vitamins) were analyzed.
  • Rhizosphere fungal communities were assessed using sequencing and FUNGuild analysis.
  • MP degradation rates were quantified by weight loss.

Main Results:

  • MPDSM application significantly enhanced microplastic degradation (19.9% for large, 7.4% for small MPs).
  • Microplastic contamination reduced grain zinc content; particle size influenced phytochemicals (flavonoids, polyphenols, vitamin E).
  • MPDSM treatment improved grain fat and vitamin C content and increased fungal α-diversity, shifting community function.

Conclusions:

  • Tailored synthetic microbiota can effectively degrade microplastics in agroecosystems.
  • MPDSM application mitigates negative impacts of microplastic pollution on crop nutrition and soil fungal communities.
  • This approach presents a viable bioremediation strategy for microplastic-contaminated agricultural soils.
Keywords:
bioremediationfungal community diversitypolystyrene microplasticsrhizosphere fungisynthetic microbiota

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Developing Synthetic Microbial Communities for Generating Second-Generation Biofertilizers04:29

Author Spotlight: Developing Synthetic Microbial Communities for Generating Second-Generation Biofertilizers

Published on: May 24, 2024

1.5K
Scalable Step-by-Step Approach of Sustainable Bioplastic Production from Food Waste08:14

Scalable Step-by-Step Approach of Sustainable Bioplastic Production from Food Waste

Published on: July 18, 2025

989

Related Concept Videos

Environmental Applications of Microorganisms01:30

Environmental Applications of Microorganisms

Microorganisms play a pivotal role in maintaining ecosystem balance by recycling essential elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, as well as supporting processes like bioremediation, wastewater treatment, and biofuel production.Microbes in Elemental CyclesIn the carbon cycle, microorganisms decompose organic matter, releasing carbon dioxide via aerobic respiration. This carbon dioxide is subsequently used by photosynthetic organisms to synthesize organic compounds, closing the...
901
The Roles of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Nutrition02:11

The Roles of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Nutrition

Plants have the impressive ability to create their own food through photosynthesis. However, plants often require assistance from organisms in the soil to acquire the nutrients they need to function correctly. Both bacteria and fungi have evolved symbiotic relationships with plants that help the species to thrive in a wide variety of environments.
46.5K
Bioremediation00:46

Bioremediation

Bioremediation is the use of prokaryotes, fungi, or plants to remove pollutants from the environment. This process has been used to remove harmful toxins in groundwater as a byproduct of agricultural run-off and also to clean up oil spills.
22.0K