高地のオオムギにおけるマイクロプラスチック分解のための合成微生物叢は、根圏菌類の多様性と代謝機能を調節する

Microplastic (MPs) pollution is a growing concern for agricultural sustainability and crop nutritional quality. This study examined the individual and combined effects of polystyrene MPs (varying in particle size: <1 mm and 1-5 mm; and concentration: 1, 10, and 50 g/m²) and a synthetic microbiota consortium tailored for MP degradation (MPDSM) on the grain nutritional profile and rhizosphere fungal communities of highland barley. Application of MPDSM significantly enhanced MPs degradation, achieving a weight loss of 19.9% for large particles and 7.4% for small particles. MPs contamination reduced zinc content in grains, while particle size differentially modulated phytochemical composition: larger MPs increased flavonoid levels, whereas smaller MPs elevated polyphenol and vitamin E content. Notably, MPDSM treatment improved key nutritional indices, such as fat and vitamin C content. Moreover, the α-diversity of rhizosphere fungi increased under all treatments except under medium-concentration large MPs. The synthetic microbiota specifically enriched fungal diversity and drove community differentiation. FUNGuild analysis indicated a significant functional shift toward a Fungal_Parasite-Undefined_Saprotroph profile. These results demonstrate the potential of tailored synthetic microbiota to mitigate microplastic pollution in agroecosystems via remodeling the rhizosphere fungal community and its metabolic functions, presenting a promising bioremediation strategy for contaminated agricultural soils.