The Effects of Polystyrene Microplastics and Copper Ion Co-Contamination on the Growth of Rice Seedlings
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging pollutants of global concern, while heavy metals such as copper ions (Cu<sup>2+</sup>) are longstanding environmental contaminants with well-documented toxicity. This study investigates the independent and combined effects of polystyrene microplastics (PS...
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2024-12-01
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| author | Huiyu Jin Guohe Lin Mingzi Ma Lin Wang Lixiang Liu |
| author_facet | Huiyu Jin Guohe Lin Mingzi Ma Lin Wang Lixiang Liu |
| author_sort | Huiyu Jin |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Microplastics (MPs) are emerging pollutants of global concern, while heavy metals such as copper ions (Cu<sup>2+</sup>) are longstanding environmental contaminants with well-documented toxicity. This study investigates the independent and combined effects of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) and Cu on the physiological and biochemical responses of rice seedlings (<i>Oryza sativa</i> L.), a key staple crop. Hydroponic experiments were conducted under four treatment conditions: control (CK), PS-MPs (50 mg·L<sup>−1</sup>), Cu (20 mg·L<sup>−1</sup> Cu<sup>2+</sup>), and a combined PS-MPs + Cu treatment. The results showed that PS-MPs had a slight stimulatory effect on root elongation, while Cu exposure mildly inhibited root growth. However, the combined treatment (PS-MPs + Cu) demonstrated no significant synergistic or additive toxicity on growth parameters such as root, stem, and leaf lengths or biomass (fresh and dry weights). Both PS-MPs and Cu significantly reduced peroxidase (POD) activity in root, stem, and leaf, indicating oxidative stress and disrupted antioxidant defenses. Notably, in the combined treatment, PS-MPs mitigated Cu toxicity by adsorbing Cu<sup>2+</sup> ions, reducing their bioavailability, and limiting Cu accumulation in rice tissues. These findings reveal a complex interaction between MPs and heavy metals in agricultural systems. While PS-MPs can alleviate Cu toxicity by reducing its bioavailability, they also compromise antioxidant activity, potentially affecting plant resilience to stress. This study provides a foundation for understanding the combined effects of MPs and heavy metals, emphasizing the need for further research into their long-term environmental and agronomic impacts. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-3d13b48c01b8450a9515a05855edcc81 |
| institution | Kabale University |
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| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-12-01 |
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| series | Nanomaterials |
| spelling | doaj-art-3d13b48c01b8450a9515a05855edcc812025-01-10T13:19:16ZengMDPI AGNanomaterials2079-49912024-12-011511710.3390/nano15010017The Effects of Polystyrene Microplastics and Copper Ion Co-Contamination on the Growth of Rice SeedlingsHuiyu Jin0Guohe Lin1Mingzi Ma2Lin Wang3Lixiang Liu4Miami College, Jinming Campus, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, ChinaMiami College, Jinming Campus, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, ChinaZhoukou Environmental Science and Technology Information Service Center, Zhoukou 466000, ChinaCollege of Geographical Sciences, Faculty of Geographical Science and Engineering, Henan University, Zhengzhou 450046, ChinaState Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Regional Eco-Process and Function Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, ChinaMicroplastics (MPs) are emerging pollutants of global concern, while heavy metals such as copper ions (Cu<sup>2+</sup>) are longstanding environmental contaminants with well-documented toxicity. This study investigates the independent and combined effects of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) and Cu on the physiological and biochemical responses of rice seedlings (<i>Oryza sativa</i> L.), a key staple crop. Hydroponic experiments were conducted under four treatment conditions: control (CK), PS-MPs (50 mg·L<sup>−1</sup>), Cu (20 mg·L<sup>−1</sup> Cu<sup>2+</sup>), and a combined PS-MPs + Cu treatment. The results showed that PS-MPs had a slight stimulatory effect on root elongation, while Cu exposure mildly inhibited root growth. However, the combined treatment (PS-MPs + Cu) demonstrated no significant synergistic or additive toxicity on growth parameters such as root, stem, and leaf lengths or biomass (fresh and dry weights). Both PS-MPs and Cu significantly reduced peroxidase (POD) activity in root, stem, and leaf, indicating oxidative stress and disrupted antioxidant defenses. Notably, in the combined treatment, PS-MPs mitigated Cu toxicity by adsorbing Cu<sup>2+</sup> ions, reducing their bioavailability, and limiting Cu accumulation in rice tissues. These findings reveal a complex interaction between MPs and heavy metals in agricultural systems. While PS-MPs can alleviate Cu toxicity by reducing its bioavailability, they also compromise antioxidant activity, potentially affecting plant resilience to stress. This study provides a foundation for understanding the combined effects of MPs and heavy metals, emphasizing the need for further research into their long-term environmental and agronomic impacts.https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/15/1/17polystyrene microplasticsheavy metalsCu<sup>2+</sup>rice seedlingsperoxidase |
| spellingShingle | Huiyu Jin Guohe Lin Mingzi Ma Lin Wang Lixiang Liu The Effects of Polystyrene Microplastics and Copper Ion Co-Contamination on the Growth of Rice Seedlings Nanomaterials polystyrene microplastics heavy metals Cu<sup>2+</sup> rice seedlings peroxidase |
| title | The Effects of Polystyrene Microplastics and Copper Ion Co-Contamination on the Growth of Rice Seedlings |
| title_full | The Effects of Polystyrene Microplastics and Copper Ion Co-Contamination on the Growth of Rice Seedlings |
| title_fullStr | The Effects of Polystyrene Microplastics and Copper Ion Co-Contamination on the Growth of Rice Seedlings |
| title_full_unstemmed | The Effects of Polystyrene Microplastics and Copper Ion Co-Contamination on the Growth of Rice Seedlings |
| title_short | The Effects of Polystyrene Microplastics and Copper Ion Co-Contamination on the Growth of Rice Seedlings |
| title_sort | effects of polystyrene microplastics and copper ion co contamination on the growth of rice seedlings |
| topic | polystyrene microplastics heavy metals Cu<sup>2+</sup> rice seedlings peroxidase |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/15/1/17 |
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