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Abstract <p>Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as pervasive pollutants in terrestrial environments, yet their effects on crops and soil remain poorly understood. This study investigated how microplastic type (PE, PP), particle size (1.2&#xa0;μm, 6.5&#xa0;μm, 150&#xa0;μm), and concentration (1%, 10%) influence physiological responses of <i>Lactuca sativa</i> and <i>Solanum lycopersicum</i>. Using both germination assays and an 8-week pot cultivation experiment, we found species-specific and dose-dependent responses. Lettuce exhibited enhanced growth under certain MP treatments, while tomato showed high sensitivity—especially at 10% concentration, resulting in 100% mortality. Critically, our results revealed that MPs function primarily as physical disruptors of soil architecture rather than solely as chemical toxicants. Soil moisture content declined significantly in MP-treated soils, particularly in the upper layers where moisture dropped from 50% to approximately 12%, suggesting MPs disrupted water holding capacity. This water deficit was more detrimental to tomatoes, potentially explaining their higher mortality. Additionally, MPs tended to accumulate in upper soil layers due to their buoyant properties following irrigation events. These findings have important implications for agricultural sustainability, as even low MP concentrations may progressively concentrate in surface soils over time. Our results highlight the complex and species-specific phytotoxic effects of MPs and underscore the urgent need for research on long-term MP–soil–plant interactions in agricultural systems.</p> Highlights <p><UnorderedList Mark="Bullet"> <ItemContent> <p>Microplastics reduced upper soil moisture from 50% to 12%, disrupting soil hydrology and water availability.</p> </ItemContent> <ItemContent> <p>Tomato showed complete mortality at 10% MP while lettuce thrived, revealing species-specific thresholds.</p> </ItemContent> <ItemContent> <p>MPs persistently accumulated in topsoil layers, threatening long-term soil health and function.</p> </ItemContent> </UnorderedList></p>

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Effects of Microplastics on Soil and on Lettuce and Tomato, Depending on Type, Size, and Concentration

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月2日

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  • Uhram Song,
  • Deokjoo Son

摘要

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as pervasive pollutants in terrestrial environments, yet their effects on crops and soil remain poorly understood. This study investigated how microplastic type (PE, PP), particle size (1.2 μm, 6.5 μm, 150 μm), and concentration (1%, 10%) influence physiological responses of Lactuca sativa and Solanum lycopersicum. Using both germination assays and an 8-week pot cultivation experiment, we found species-specific and dose-dependent responses. Lettuce exhibited enhanced growth under certain MP treatments, while tomato showed high sensitivity—especially at 10% concentration, resulting in 100% mortality. Critically, our results revealed that MPs function primarily as physical disruptors of soil architecture rather than solely as chemical toxicants. Soil moisture content declined significantly in MP-treated soils, particularly in the upper layers where moisture dropped from 50% to approximately 12%, suggesting MPs disrupted water holding capacity. This water deficit was more detrimental to tomatoes, potentially explaining their higher mortality. Additionally, MPs tended to accumulate in upper soil layers due to their buoyant properties following irrigation events. These findings have important implications for agricultural sustainability, as even low MP concentrations may progressively concentrate in surface soils over time. Our results highlight the complex and species-specific phytotoxic effects of MPs and underscore the urgent need for research on long-term MP–soil–plant interactions in agricultural systems.

Highlights

Microplastics reduced upper soil moisture from 50% to 12%, disrupting soil hydrology and water availability.

Tomato showed complete mortality at 10% MP while lettuce thrived, revealing species-specific thresholds.

MPs persistently accumulated in topsoil layers, threatening long-term soil health and function.