Microplastics in soil and its effect on plant growth
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Date
2023
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Thesis (Ph.D.) - Bogazici University. Institute of Environmental Sciences, 2023.
Abstract
Microplastics have been identified in various ecosystems including terrestrial environments. Once they enter the terrestrial systems, they may affect the soil properties as well as soil organisms. Even though the number of studies that investigate the abundance and the effects of MPs is increasing, there are still gaps regarding their abundance and effects, especially in soil systems. This research investigates the evaluation of MPs abundance in human-influenced soils to reveal the impact of different anthropogenic activities on soil MP contamination. For this purpose, three main categories as industrial, residential, and recreational areas were considered and samples were collected for each category from Istanbul, Turkey. Another subject of interest was the possible effects of different levels of MPs in soils on plant growth of two crop plant species; sunflower and sorghum. Additionally, the effect of MPs in the presence of Glomus mosseae (AMF species) and the effect of increased temperature was also assessed to stimulate a more real-environmental conditions. Results showed that the residential areas had the lowest MP content (mean = 3378 items/ kg), while highest abundance was found in recreational zones (mean = 7956 items/kg). Surprisingly, the highest content was found in a forest area (Belgrade Forest) with 9332 items/kg. Effects on plant growth were observed as; low-level MPs (0.4% w:w) in soil enhanced overall plant growth while increasing amounts significantly hindered the process. Glomus mosseae supported the plant growth but the trend remained the same. Increased temperature hindered sunflower growth while promoting sorghum plants. NOTE Keywords : Microplastic; Land Use; Soil; plant growth; AMF; Glomus mosseae.