This study highlights that microplastics, primarily emitted into terrestrial environments, accumulate in soil and pose a significant threat to ecosystems. It emphasises the importance of assessing microplastic uptake by crops due to their prevalence in wastewater used for irrigation. The research shows that wheat (Triticum aestivum) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa) can absorb submicrometre- and micrometre-sized polystyrene and polymethylmethacrylate particles through crack-entry pathways at lateral root emergence sites. These particles are then transported from roots to shoots, driven by transpirational pull. The findings underscore the potential risks for crops irrigated with wastewater or exposed to sewage sludge contamination.
This study investigates halogenated flame retardants (HFRs) in vegetables grown near an e-waste-contaminated site. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were the dominant HFRs, followed by novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) and dechlorane plus (DPs), with concentrations varying across vegetable species. The highest levels were found in Brassica oleracea var. capitata. Root concentration factors decreased with increasing[…]
This study examines the uptake and health risks of novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) in soil-vegetable systems. Seven NBFRs were analysed in greenhouse and conventional tomatoes and cucumbers. Greenhouse vegetables showed higher concentrations of Σ7 NBFRs (2.8–3.8 ng g⁻¹ dw) compared to conventional ones (1.1–1.7 ng g⁻¹ dw). Root and fruit bioaccumulation factors (RBCFs: 0.6–6.3,[…]
This study assessed the root uptake and root-shoot translocation of seven organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) and four novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) in hydroponic maize plants. The initial liquid concentrations of each compound were examined, with 30 μg L−1 treatments being phytotoxic due to a significant decrease in shoot dry weight. Plant-driven removal of the[…]
The study aimed to investigate the uptake pathways of phthalates (PAEs) in Chinese flowering cabbage and the effects of spraying PAE-degrading strains on PAE accumulation in vegetables. Results showed that leaves of cabbage grown in plastic greenhouses absorbed more PAEs from the air than those of outside greenhouses. PAEs were mainly stored in leaf surfaces,[…]
The study investigated the effects of polystyrene nanoparticles (MNPs) on the uptake of eight organic pollutants (OPEs) by rice seedlings. Results showed that OPEs accumulated in a concentration-dependent manner in both roots and shoots of rice seedlings. The impacts of MNPs were concentration- and size-dependent, influencing transpiration rate and antioxidant enzyme activities. Significant effects were[…]