Abstract
The synergistic effect between heavy metals and microplastics can affect soil properties as well as plant performance and yield. The objective of this study was to evaluate the combined effect of microplastics and cadmium on a soil–plant system. Specifically, we proposed to explore changes in soil microbiological activity, the growth and yield parameters of strawberry plants, and to evaluate the accumulation of these pollutants in the soil and root system. Plants were planted in clay pots under greenhouse conditions. The experiment was set up as a completely randomized design, with four treatments (Control; MPs; Cd; and Cd + MPs) and five replicates. The results showed that MPs and/or Cd affected plant growth, plant biomass, the number of fruits, root characteristics, dehydrogenase activity, acid phosphatase, and microbial biomass, and increased the accumulation of Cd in the roots and soil. The increased bioavailability of Cd, due to the presence of microplastics, could explain the observed negative effects on soil properties and the performance of strawberry plants.
Highlights
Microplastics (MPs) have been defined as particles smaller than 5 mm in size
The use of plastic has drastically increased in recent years [2], accounting for 10% of total waste generated around the world
MPs, Cd, and Cd + MPs applications significantly decreased stem diameter compared to the control treatment, with reduction of 38%, 33% and 38%, respectively
Summary
Microplastics (MPs) have been defined as particles smaller than 5 mm in size. These particles mainly originate from the disintegration of plastic mulch and household garbage [1].The use of plastic has drastically increased in recent years [2], accounting for 10% of total waste generated around the world. Microplastics (MPs) have been defined as particles smaller than 5 mm in size. These particles mainly originate from the disintegration of plastic mulch and household garbage [1]. The use of plastic has drastically increased in recent years [2], accounting for 10% of total waste generated around the world. While some plastic waste is recycled, most of it ends up in landfills or agricultural lands [3]. Studies have estimated that up to 700,000 tons of MPs are deposited on agricultural lands in Europe and North America each year [4]. Antioxidative response to cadmium in roots and leaves of tomato plants.
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