A global meta-analysis of over 4,200 studies found that microplastics can alter cadmium uptake and movement in plants, reducing oxidative stress and nutrient imbalance. However, the effects vary greatly depending on particle size, polymer type, concentration, and environmental conditions.
Research reveals microplastics can reduce cadmium's toxic effects on crops by up to 4.5-fold, and moderate oxidative damage and tissue contamination. The study's findings highlight the complexity of assessing agricultural soils contaminated by multiple pollutants.
A new review highlights three pathways through which roots absorb micro- and nanoplastics, with leaves also taking up microplastics deposited from the atmosphere. This can lead to plant toxicity, altered soil microbial communities, and transfer through food webs.
Study in Florida Bay reveals that turtlegrass can successfully recruit into open bare sediment following die-off events due to biomass partitioning and efficient oxidation. However, recovery of seagrass meadows takes time, with full recovery taking at least a decade.
Researchers investigate Pseudomonas cannabina pv. alisalensis (Pcal) interaction with cabbage and oats, discovering coronatine (COR) suppresses salicylic acid to aid pathogen growth. This finding opens doors to new disease control strategies.