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Metal Release from Microplastics to Soil: Effects on Soil Enzymatic Activities and Spinach Production

Author

Listed:
  • Giorgia Santini

    (Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy)

  • Valeria Memoli

    (Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy)

  • Ermenegilda Vitale

    (Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy)

  • Gabriella Di Natale

    (CeSMA—Centre of Meteorologic and Avanced Thecnology Services, University of Naples Federico II, Nicolangelo Protopisani Course, San Giovanni a Teduccio, 80146 Naples, Italy)

  • Marco Trifuoggi

    (Department of Chemistry, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy)

  • Giulia Maisto

    (Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy
    BAT Center—Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology, 80100 Naples, Italy)

  • Lucia Santorufo

    (Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy
    BAT Center—Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology, 80100 Naples, Italy)

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) represent emergent pollutants in terrestrial ecosystems. Microplastics can cause the release of metal and damage to crop quality. The present research aimed to evaluate the effects of Mater-bi (Bio-MPs) and polyethylene (PE-MPs) MPs at different concentrations on soil properties and on the growth of Spinacia oleracea L. Plants were grown in 30 pots filled with soil mixed with 0.5, 1 and 2% d.w. of Bio-MPs and PE-MPs and in 5 pots filled only with soil, considered as controls (K). At the end of the vegetative cycle, the spinach plants were evaluated for the epigeal (EPI) and hypogeal (HYPO) biomasses and the ratio of HYPO/EPI was calculated. In the soil, the total and the available fractions of Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb and the hydrolase (HA), β-glucosidase (β-glu), dehydrogenase (DHA) and urease (U) activities were evaluated. The results revealed that the addition of Bio-MPs increased soil total Cr, Cu and Pb and available Cu concentrations, and the addition of PE-MPs increased Pb availability. In soil contaminated by both Bio-MPs and PE-MPs, HA and β-glu activities were stimulated, whereas DHA activity was reduced. The HYPO and HYPO/EPI biomasses were reduced only in soils contaminated by the 2% Bio-MPs.

Suggested Citation

  • Giorgia Santini & Valeria Memoli & Ermenegilda Vitale & Gabriella Di Natale & Marco Trifuoggi & Giulia Maisto & Lucia Santorufo, 2023. "Metal Release from Microplastics to Soil: Effects on Soil Enzymatic Activities and Spinach Production," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-15, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:4:p:3106-:d:1064121
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Filippos Bantis & Mariangela Fotelli & Zoran S. Ilić & Athanasios Koukounaras, 2020. "Physiological and Phytochemical Responses of Spinach Baby Leaves Grown in a PFAL System with LEDs and Saline Nutrient Solution," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 10(11), pages 1-12, November.
    2. Giorgia Santini & Giulia Maisto & Valeria Memoli & Gabriella Di Natale & Marco Trifuoggi & Lucia Santorufo, 2022. "Does the Element Availability Change in Soils Exposed to Bioplastics and Plastics for Six Months?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-10, August.
    3. Valeria Memoli & Speranza Claudia Panico & Lucia Santorufo & Rossella Barile & Gabriella Di Natale & Aldo Di Nunzio & Maria Toscanesi & Marco Trifuoggi & Anna De Marco & Giulia Maisto, 2020. "Do Wildfires Cause Changes in Soil Quality in the Short Term?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-14, July.
    4. Yin, Minhua & Li, Yuannong & Fang, Heng & Chen, Pengpeng, 2019. "Biodegradable mulching film with an optimum degradation rate improves soil environment and enhances maize growth," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 216(C), pages 127-137.
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