Esterhuizen, Maranda Kim, Young Jun 2024-01-19T12:32:52Z 2024-01-19T12:32:52Z 2022-01-25 2022-03 0944-1344 https://pubs.kist.re.kr/handle/201004/115607 Plastic waste is recognised as hazardous, with the risk increasing as the polymers break down in nature to secondary microplastics or even nanoplastics. The number of studies reporting on the prevalence of microplastic in every perceivable niche and bioavailable to biota is dramatically increasing. Knowledge of the ecotoxicology of microplastic is advancing as well; however, information regarding plants, specifically aquatic macrophytes, is still lacking. The present study aimed to gain more information on the ecotoxicological effects of six different polymer types as 4 mm microplastic on the morphology (germination and growth) and the physiology (catalase and glutathione S-transferase activity) of the rooted aquatic macrophyte, Nelumbo nucifera. The role of sediment was also considered by conducting all exposure both in a sediment-containing and sediment-free exposure system. Polyvinyl chloride and polyurethane exposures caused the highest inhibition of germination and growth compared to the control. However, the presence of sediment significantly decreased the adverse effects. Catalase activity was increased with exposure to polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, and polystyrene, both in the presence and absence of sediment but more so in the sediment-free system. Glutathione S-transferase activity was significantly increased with exposure to polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polyethylene terephthalate in the sediment-free system and exposure to polyethylene terephthalate and polyurethane in the absence of sediment. There was no clear correlation between the morphological and physiological effects observed. Further studies are required to understand the underlying toxicity mechanism of microplastics. English SPRINGER HEIDELBERG Effects of polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polyurethane, high-density polyethylene, and polystyrene microplastic on Nelumbo nucifera (Lotus) in water and sediment Article 10.1007/s11356-021-17033-0 1 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH, v.29, no.12, pp.17580 - 17590 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH 29 12 17580 17590 N scie scopus 000709353700002 Environmental Sciences Environmental Sciences & Ecology Article PLASTIC POLLUTION OXIDATIVE STRESS ACCUMULATION ENVIRONMENT TRANSPORT HEALTH DEBRIS IMPACT GROWTH WASTE Microplastics Oxidative stress Sediment Macrophyte Exposure Germination Seedling growth