Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Separation and Identification of Conventional Microplastics from Farmland Soils
Published on: March 21, 2025
Influence of Polyethylene Terephthalate, Polyvinyl Chloride, and Low-Density Polyethylene Microplastics on Plant
Rachna1,2, Aparna Kumari1, K Vismaya1
1Department of Environmental Science, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, 824236, India.
Abstract:
Microplastic (MP) pollution in terrestrial ecosystems is an emerging concern because of its adverse effects on soil health and crop productivity. This study assessed the phytotoxic effects of three polymers, Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) on seed germination, early growth, and physiology of Cicer arietinum, Avena sativa, and Linum usitatissimum. Laboratory and pot experiments using graded microplastic concentrations showed clear dose-dependent responses. Higher microplastic levels reduced germination, seedling vigor, root and shoot length, and biomass, with PET causing the greatest inhibition, followed by PVC. LDPE slightly promoted root growth at low doses but became inhibitory at higher concentrations. Chlorophyll declined at elevated MP levels, indicating impaired photosynthesis, while electrolyte leakage suggested membrane damage, especially under LDPE exposure. Overall toxicity ranked PET > PVC > LDPE, underscoring the risks of microplastics to crops and agroecosystem sustainability.
More Related Videos
08:21Forming Micro-and Nano-Plastics from Agricultural Plastic Films for Employment in Fundamental Research Studies
Published on: July 27, 2022
05:05Quantification of Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate-based Micro- and Nano-plastics from Soil Using Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Published on: June 6, 2025
Related Concept Videos
Microbial Bioremediation of Plastics
Bioplastics
Microbe-Plant Interactions
Types of Step-Growth Polymers: Polyesters
Polyesters are commonly prepared from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol; the crude product is known as poly(ethylene terephthalate) or PET. However, polyesters are synthesized industrially by transesterification of dimethyl terephthalate with ethylene glycol at 150 °C. The two reactants and the polymer...