EVALUATING THE STRESS OF MICROPLASTIC ON HYDROPONICALLY AND SOIL-GROWN STAPLE VEGETABLE

Abstract

Environmental concerns have been raised by the growing amount of microplastics (MPs) contaminating freshwater systems and farmlands. Laboratory-synthesized microplastics with sizes between 0 and 32μm ranged in concentrations between 50 and 100 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) in soil and milligrams per liter (mg/L) in hydroponic systems. This study investigates how coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is affected by low-density polyethylene (LDPE)-MPs after being exposed for 30 days. Both soil and hydroponic conditions were used to measure important growth metrics, such as root length, plant height, and fresh weight of roots and shoots. The findings showed that whereas soil-grown coriander showed decreased growth across all LDPE-MP

treatments, hydroponically grown coriander showed reduced growth at lower dosages of LDPE- MPs. Furthermore, 100 mg/kg soil samples showed bioaccumulation of microplastic particles,

suggesting that plant tissues can absorb significant quantities of MPs. Additionally, antioxidant activity was measured, revealing elevated antioxidant levels that point to a preventive reaction against MP-induced stress. These results demonstrate the intricate ways that LDPE-MP contamination affects plant growth, with notable differences between soil and hydroponic settings. It is critical to understand the hazards of MPs in different agroecosystems because studies have shown that the growth systems, MP dose, and their interactions affect plant growth and quality.