Phytotoxicity and accumulation of BPS to Pistia stratiotes under the influence of microplastics

Chemosphere. 2022 Nov;307(Pt 2):135854. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135854. Epub 2022 Aug 8.

Abstract

Bisphenol S (BPS) is a contaminant of emerging concern, its exposure and phytotoxicity towards plants, however, is scarce. This study aimed at revealing the BPS translocation in plants and phytotoxicity in the presence of Polystyrene (PS) microplastics. Results found that BPS and PS showed no effect on plant growth, indicating the tolerance of plants towards BPS and PS co-contamination. In addition, plants enriched BPS from soil, and a major part of absorbed BPS was accumulated in roots, as supported by the higher BCF value in roots compared with leaves. Besides, the low TF (<1) suggested the capacity of plants to accumulate BPS in roots, and less translocation to leaves. PS negatively affected the translocation of BPS in plants. PS with large size (5 μm) also increased the distribution of BPS in organelles. Exposure risk assessment suggested low concern of BPS carried in plants to human health. This study underlines the bioaccumulation of BPS in plants, and the effects of PS in the translocation process.

Keywords: Bisphenol S; Microplastics; Phytotoxicity; Pistia stratiotes; Soil.

MeSH terms

  • Araceae*
  • Humans
  • Microplastics*
  • Plastics / toxicity
  • Polystyrenes / toxicity
  • Soil

Substances

  • Microplastics
  • Plastics
  • Polystyrenes
  • Soil