Response of soybean (Glycine max L.) seedlings to polystyrene nanoplastics: Physiological, biochemical, and molecular perspectives

• Published in: Environmental pollution (1987) 2022-12, Vol.314, p.120262, Article 120262
• Main Author: Surgun-Acar, Yonca
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antioxidants - metabolism; Antioxidative system; Ascorbate Peroxidases - metabolism; Catalase - metabolism; Gene expression; Glycine max; Growth; Hydrogen Peroxide - metabolism; Malondialdehyde - metabolism; Microplastics; Nanoplastics; Nutrients; Polystyrenes - metabolism; Proline - metabolism; Proline - pharmacology; Seedlings; Superoxide Dismutase - metabolism; Wastewater
• ISSN: 0269-7491; 1873-6424
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120262

Micro and nanoplastics are new generation contaminants of global concern. It is important to evaluate the effects on edible products due to the presence of micro- and nano-sized plastics in the treated wastewater. A hydroponic experiment was carried out to explore the effect of polsytrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs; 20 nm) at different concentrations (0, 12.5, 25, and 50 mg L−1) on Glycine max L. (soybean) seedlings for 7-days. In the current study, firstly the uptake of PS-NPs by Glycine max L. (soybean) roots were confirmed by laser confocal scanning microscope. Exposure to PS-NPs, negatively affected growth parameters and increased Fe, Zn and Mn contents in roots and leaves of soybean seedlings. PS-NPs treatments caused oxidative stress in soybean seedlings. The hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde contents, showed similar increase pattern in seedlings exposed to PS-NPs. Response to PS-NPs, the level of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and guaiacol peroxidase) and proline content were generally enhanced in roots and leaves of soybean. The expression level of stress-related genes examined in the study included CSD5, FSD3, APX1, and POD up-regulated in PS-NPs treated-soybean seedlings in a tissue specific manner. The results of the present study showed the adverse effects of PS-NPs on soybean seedlings, which may have important implications for the risk assessment of NPs on crop production and environmental safety. [Display omitted] •Nanoplastics (NPs) accumulated in tips and maturation zone of soybean roots.•A reduced growth was observed in NPs-treated seedlings.•Exposure to NPs, increased iron, zinc and manganese contents in roots and leaves.•The internalized NPs in roots, triggered the oxidative stress in seedlings.•Seedlings improved antioxidative system and expression of stress genes response to NPs.