Effects of polyethylene and biodegradable microplastics on the physiology and metabolic profiles of dandelion

Xingfan Li; Guangnian Zeng; Xinyi Du; Ranran Zhou; Jiapan Lian; Jia Liu; Xiaorui Guo; Zhonghua Tang

doi:10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124116

Effects of polyethylene and biodegradable microplastics on the physiology and metabolic profiles of dandelion

Environ Pollut. 2024 May 6:352:124116. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124116. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Xingfan Li¹, Guangnian Zeng², Xinyi Du², Ranran Zhou³, Jiapan Lian⁴, Jia Liu⁵, Xiaorui Guo⁶, Zhonghua Tang²

Affiliations

¹ College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Resource Utilization, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China; Key Laboratory of Forest Plant Ecology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China. Electronic address: lxf1756185206@163.com.
² College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Resource Utilization, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China; Key Laboratory of Forest Plant Ecology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China.
³ Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions, Ministry of Education, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green Development, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.
⁴ Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resources Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
⁵ Key Laboratory of Soybean Molecular Design Breeding, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Harbin, 150040, China.
⁶ College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Resource Utilization, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China; Key Laboratory of Forest Plant Ecology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China. Electronic address: xruiguo@nefu.edu.cn.

PMID: 38718962
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124116

Abstract

Biodegradable plastics, such as poly(butylene adipate terephthalate) (PBAT) and polylactic acid (PLA), are potential alternatives to conventional polyethylene (PE), both of which are associated with the production of microplastics (MPs). However, the toxicity of these compounds on medicinal plants and their differential effects on plant morphophysiology remain unclear. This study supplemented soils with MPs sized at 200 μm at a rate of 1% w/w and incubated them for 50 days to investigate the impact of MPs on the growth and metabolites of dandelion (Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz.). The results demonstrated that the investigated MPs decreased the growth of dandelion seedlings, induced oxidative stress, and altered the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase). Based on the comprehensive toxicity assessment results, the ecological toxicity was in the following order: PE MPs > PBAT MPs > PLA MPs. Metabolomics analyses revealed metabolic reprogramming in dandelion plants, leading to the enrichment of numerous differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) in the leaves. These pathways include carbohydrate metabolism, energy metabolism, and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, suggesting that dandelions respond to MP stress by enhancing the activity of sugar, organic acid, and amino acid metabolic pathways. In addition, phenolic acids and flavonoids are critical for maintaining the balance in the antioxidant defense system. Our results provide substantial insights into the toxicity of biodegradable MPs to plants and shed light on plant defense and adaptation strategies. Further assessment of the safety of biodegradable MPs in terrestrial ecosystems is essential to provide guidance for environmentally friendly management.

Keywords: Metabolomics; Phytotoxicity; Plastic film; Poly (butylene adipate terephthalate); Polylactic acid.