This study analyses the presence and distribution of microplastics in an agricultural catchment on the Loess Plateau, focusing on their response to heavy rainstorms. Microplastics were found in soil samples with an abundance of 70-4020 items/kg, with particles less than 0.5 mm accounting for 81.61% of the total. The main colours were white, yellow, and transparent, with film and fragment shapes accounting for 47.65% and 30.81%, respectively. Low-density polyethylene was identified as the main component of microplastics. The extensive use of plastic mulch film is a major contributor to microplastic pollution.
A check dam effectively intercepts microplastics during rainstorms, reducing them by at least 6.1 × 1010 items downstream.
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[…]