Abstract
BackgroundPhthalates are man-made chemical compounds with numerous applications especially known for their use as plasticizers. They have weak bonding to the polymeric matrix or products in which they are used. Owing to this reason, they are readily released into the environment which makes them ubiquitous. The agricultural soils are also reported to be polluted with phthalates up to a considerable extent which causes adverse effects on flora and fauna. A few studies have been conducted on phthalate-induced phytotoxicity, which has revealed that phthalates affect the quality and yield of edible plants. In the last decades, some crops were analyzed for phthalate-induced adversities; among them, barley was the least explored.MethodsThe present study has investigated the impact of benzyl-butyl phthalate (BBP) on barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) seedlings to address the biochemical, physiological consequences, and toxicological implications. After the exogenous exposure of BBP (viz. 0, 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1,600 mg/L) for 7 days, barley seedlings were analyzed for different indices.ResultsThe exposure of BBP mediated a significant (p ≤ 0.05, 0.01) overall elevation in the contents of pigment, proline, soluble protein, carbohydrate, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in shoots and roots of barley seedlings. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), guaiacol peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and glutathione reductase (GR) were also stimulated significantly in shoots and roots of seedlings against BBP stress except for SOD activity which declined in the roots. The polyphenols (non-enzymatic antioxidants) content was also altered in all the treated concentrations as compared to the control. Furthermore, BBP caused stomatal abnormalities, induced cytotoxicity, and loss of plasma membrane integrity.ConclusionsBBP disturbed the normal physiology of barley which could also affect the yield of the crop under field conditions.
Highlights
Phthalate esters (PEs) are well-known additives or plasticizers for plastics, especially polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polymer used to inculcate elasticity, plasticity, and overall sustainability benefits (Mackintosh et al, 2004)
The exposure of dimethyl phthalate (DMP) to cucumber seedlings for 1 day has caused an elevation in chlorophyll content as compared to the control and the enhancement was observed in the content after 7 days of DMP treatment (Zhang et al, 2016)
The ever increasing consumption of phthalates has raised a serious concern for food safety as they are abundantly reported in agricultural soils
Summary
Phthalate esters (PEs) are well-known additives or plasticizers for plastics, especially polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polymer used to inculcate elasticity, plasticity, and overall sustainability benefits (Mackintosh et al, 2004). Various technologies are introduced to traditional agricultural practices Plasticulture is one such technology which is based upon the use of films, irrigation tubings, nursery pots, silage bags, and in a broader sense it is technology which makes the use of all kinds of plastic coverings. Phthalates are man-made chemical compounds with numerous applications especially known for their use as plasticizers. They have weak bonding to the polymeric matrix or products in which they are used. The exposure of BBP mediated a significant (p ≤ 0.05, 0.01) overall elevation in the contents of pigment, proline, soluble protein, carbohydrate, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in shoots and roots of barley seedlings. BBP disturbed the normal physiology of barley which could affect the yield of the crop under field conditions
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