PET microplastics: interactions with soil and chives

This study investigates the impact of microplastics (PET) on soil properties and the development of chives under controlled laboratory conditions. Microplastics were added to the soil at concentrations below 0.05% w/w to examine their effects on soil chemistry, including pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and essential nutrients. The chives plants were measured (length), including both the aerial parts and the root system. The root region of the plants was examined with the aid of a binocular microscope. The results show that microplastics influenced some soil characteristics, such as a reduction in pH, CEC, and essential nutrients, like phosphorus and calcium. On the other hand, the effect of microplastics on the growth of chives was minimal, with no significant differences observed between the plants grown in soils with and without microplastics (control sample). These results suggest that low concentrations of PET microplastics do not have adverse effects on soil, as well as the development of chives, even when present near the plant root system. Thus, we conclude that chives remain visibly attractive for human consumption, even in the presence of the plastic particles, despite their effects on human health are still not fully understood.