The
widespread
occurrence
of
microplastics
(MPs)
in
various
environments
globally
often
coincides
with
the
presence
toxic
heavy
metals,
leading
to
co-contamination
toxicity
plants.
However,
differences
between
conventional
and
degradable
MPs
their
effects
on
tree
responses
metals
remain
inadequately
understood.
Here,
we
conducted
a
pot
experiment
investigate
different
types
(i.e.,
polyethylene
(PE)
polylactic
acid
(PLA)),
combination
cadmium
(Cd),
growth,
physiological
biochemical
traits
Pinus
massoniana
seedlings.
results
shows
that
10%
PE-only
was
more
harmful
growth
physiology
P.
compared
PLA-only.
Furthermore,
1%
+
Cd
did
not
significantly
impact
growth.
Nevertheless,
under
PLA,
higher
than
PLA
Cd.
Under
treatments
Cd,
enhanced
absorption
by
roots,
while
other
inhibited
uptake.
Overall,
its
were
dependent
type
MPs,
providing
significant
implications
for
seedling
cultivation
forest
management
context
increasing
human
activities.
Research Square (Research Square),
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: Feb. 4, 2025
Abstract
Microplastic
contamination
in
India
has
been
extensively
studied
aquatic
ecosystems,
yet
its
implications
for
agricultural
soils
remain
insufficiently
addressed.
This
research
paper
bridges
this
gap
by
analyzing
data
from
73
studies
published
between
2020
and
2024,
synthesizing
findings
on
microplastic
across
diverse
ecosystems
assessing
their
potential
impact
land.
While
most
focus
microplastics
beaches,
rivers,
lakes,
ponds,
only
a
limited
number
directly
investigate
soils,
highlighting
significant
gap.
Key
sources
identified
include
irrigation
with
polluted
water,
atmospheric
deposition,
industrial
discharge,
inadequate
waste
management,
practices
such
as
plastic
mulch
use.
In
Northern
India,
extensive
networks
sourcing
water
the
Ganga,
Yamuna,
Sutlej
rivers
pose
risks
of
infiltration
into
farmland.
Western
experiences
high
due
to
effluents,
urban
waste,
practices.
Southern
Eastern
coastal
regions
face
marine
estuarine
pollution,
potentially
affecting
soil
crop
health.
Additionally,
Northeastern
shows
threats
microplastic-laden
bodies
deposition
near
lands.
The
review
underscores
urgent
need
standardized
methodologies,
comprehensive
sampling,
targeted
pathways
ecosystems.
By
identifying
high-risk
zones
knowledge
gaps,
study
provides
foundation
future
aimed
at
mitigating
growing
threat
pollution
India’s
sector.
Addressing
these
challenges
is
crucial
ensuring
health,
food
security,
environmental
sustainability.
