Water Spinach ( Ipomoea aquatica F.) Effectively Absorbs and Accumulates Microplastics at the Micron Level—A Study of the Co-Exposure to Microplastics with Varying Particle Sizes

Yachuan Zhao, Can Hu (), Xufeng Wang, Hui Cheng, Jianfei Xing, Yueshan Li, Long Wang, Tida Ge, Ao Du and Zaibin Wang
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Yachuan Zhao: College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Tarim University, Alar 843300, China
Can Hu: College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Tarim University, Alar 843300, China
Xufeng Wang: College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Tarim University, Alar 843300, China
Hui Cheng: College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Tarim University, Alar 843300, China
Jianfei Xing: College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Tarim University, Alar 843300, China
Yueshan Li: Department of Educational Administration, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N0X1, Canada
Long Wang: College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Tarim University, Alar 843300, China
Tida Ge: State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
Ao Du: College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Tarim University, Alar 843300, China
Zaibin Wang: College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Tarim University, Alar 843300, China

Agriculture, 2024, vol. 14, issue 2, 1-13

Abstract: The absorption of microplastics (MPs; size < 5 mm) by plants has garnered increasing global attention owing to its potential implications for food safety. However, the extent to which leafy vegetables can absorb large amounts of MPs, particularly those > 1 μm, remains insufficiently demonstrated. To address this gap in knowledge, we conducted water culture experiments using water spinach ( Ipomoea aquatica F.) as a model plant. The roots of water spinach were exposed to a mixed solution that contained fluorescently labeled polystyrene (PS) beads with particle sizes of 200 nm and 1 μm for 10 d. We utilized laser confocal scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy to record the absorption, migration, and patterns of accumulation of these large particle sizes of MPs within water spinach. Our findings revealed that micron-sized PS beads were absorbed by the roots in the presence of submicron PS beads and subsequently transported through the exosomes to accumulate to significant levels in the leaves. Short-term hydroponic experiments further indicated that high concentrations of PS bead solutions significantly inhibited the growth of water spinach owing to their large specific surface area that hindered the uptake of water and nutrients by the roots. In conclusion, both sizes of PS beads were found to be absorbed by water spinach, thereby increasing the risk associated with direct human consumption of microplastics in fruits and vegetables. This study provides valuable scientific insights to assess the pollution risks related to fruits and vegetables, as well as ensuring vegetable safety.

Keywords: microplastics; MP pollution; absorption; accumulation; water spinach; co-exposure experiment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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