Effect of microplastics on silty loam soil properties and radish growth

Abstract Microplastics (particles of plastics <5 mm) affect the physical, biological and hydrological properties agricultural soil, as well crop growth. We investigated effect addition three microplastics (high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS)) at a concentration 5% (w/w) to silty loam soil on selected growth radish ( Raphanus sativus L. var. sativus). Changes in microplastic treatments were compared with control. Soil (bulk density, hydraulic conductivity, sorptivity, water repellency) estimated for each treatment beginning end growing period (GP). The bulk density was significantly lower HDPE PVC control within measurement GP all GP. values conductivity sorptivity did not show significant differences between any GP, but they higher characterized by plant biomass effective quantum yield Photosystem II (Y (II)). find statistically difference total experimental treatments, maybe due used microplastics. mean value Y (II) only last A change Y(II) may indicate functional shift properties; however, measured characteristics have shown changes (except together GP).