Adsorption of polyethylene microbeads and physiological effects on hydroponic maize

dc.contributor.authorUrbina MA
dc.contributor.authorCorrea F
dc.contributor.authorAburto F
dc.contributor.authorFerrio Díaz, Juan Pedro
dc.date.accessioned2026-01-30T12:17:11Z
dc.date.available2026-01-30T12:17:11Z
dc.date.issued2020-06-30
dc.date.updated2026-01-15T09:40:32Z
dc.description.abstractAbout 90% of the plastic garbage remains in terrestrial ecosystems, and increasing evidence highlights the exposure of crops to plastic particles. However, the potential bioaccumulation of microplastics by plants and their effects on plants' physiology remains unexplored. Here, we evaluated the adsorption, potential uptake, and physiological effects of polyethylene (PE) microbeads in an experimental hydroponic culture of maize. Using isotope analysis, taking advantage of the different carbon isotope composition (δ13C) of fossil-derived PE and C4 plants (e.g., maize), we estimated that about 30% of the carbon in the rhizosphere of microplastic-exposed plants was derived from PE. Still, we did not find evidence of PE translocation to the shoots. Plastic bioaccumulation in the rhizosphere caused a significant decline in transpiration, nitrogen content, and growth. Our results indicate that plastic particles may accumulate in the rhizosphere, impairing water and nutrient uptake, and eventually reaching root eaters. Due to the implications for food production and livestock feeding, our findings encourage further research on the mechanism leading to the bioaccumulation of microplastics on the surface of belowground tissues.
dc.description.peerreviewedSi
dc.identifier.citationUrbina, M. A., Correa, F., Aburto, F., & Ferrio, J. P. (2020). Adsorption of polyethylene microbeads and physiological effects on hydroponic maize. Science of The Total Environment, 741, 140216. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140216
dc.identifier.doi10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140216
dc.identifier.issn0048-96970048-9697
dc.identifier.urihttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140216
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10532/8125
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherElsevier B.V.
dc.relation.citaSi
dc.rightsAttribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 Internationalen
dc.rights.urihttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
dc.subject.sdgHambre cero
dc.titleAdsorption of polyethylene microbeads and physiological effects on hydroponic maize
dc.typetexto
dc.typerevista
dc.typeartículo
dc.typeartículo original
dc.type.hasVersionversión final del autor

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