Potential Effect of Biochar on Soil Properties, Microbial Activity and Vicia faba Properties Affected by Microplastics Contamination

Microplastics (MPs) contamination is an emerging issue globally; however, adverse impacts of MPs on soil, plants and microbial activity have not been intensively studied. In this study, the potential effect different levels (1.5, 7.5, 15%) has investigated soil properties, plant properties (Vicia Faba) activities through a pot experiment. The biochar (BC: 2%) to mitigate effects MP also examined. Soil (pH, EC, OM, CaCO3 some elements) significantly differed due by as well adding BC soil. pH were increased more than in control, while TDS, available P, Mn Fe decreased lower which implies adsorption microplastic. Plant such enzymes, chlorophyll fresh dry weight roots, adversely affected contamination; mitigated effect, especially with low MPs. shoot was cytogenetic analysis showed that mitotic index reduced compared control (9.39%), at 1.5% (7.11%) although it less control. percentage abnormalities V. faba root tip cells under control; 7.5% total count bacteria fungi even or rhizosphere area did follow clear trend; increasing their activities. Microbial biomass carbon nitrogen BC. level low, MPs, 1.5 Thus, could be promising mitigating negative when applied suitable need future studies.