Stress Effect Induced by Microplastics Coupled with Acid Rain, on Garden Cress, During Short and Long Time: Two Exposures in Comparison

Aim: Plastics, and acid rain, are the results of anthropogenic activities; although, injuries caused by acidic precipitation to plants well known, what happen if rain is coupled with microplastics pollution? Methods: In this experiment, we simulated, under controlled condition, a contaminated area from four different kinds Microplastics (MPs): Polyethylene (PE), Polyvinylchloride (PVC), commercial mixture (PE + PVC) Polypropylene (PP) subjected on Lepidium sativum, both in short then long exposures. At end experimentation were analysed: i) plant biometrical parameters (percentage inhibition seed germination, height, leaf number fresh biomass productions); ii) oxidative stress (e.g., levels hydrogen peroxide, glutathione, ascorbic acid). On exposure quantified also: lipidic peroxidation through Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, Aminolevulinic Acid (AlA), pigments (Chl-a, Chl-b, carotenoids) soluble sugars. Results: Our suggest that root system more sensitive MPs above ground biomass. Furthermore, toxicity begin PE+ treatments shift towards PVC+ at radical level. Conclusion: experiment demonstrates supplied able interfere ways exposure, but also shoot levels, garden cress.