The effect of microplastic contaminated compost on the growth of rice seedlings

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) are pollutants that have contaminated compost, but there are few studies on the interaction between compost contaminated with MPs (MPsC) and rice seedling performance. This study investigated the effect of MPsC on the planting activity in rice. In this Three different treatments were applied: treatment 1 (P1) as a control without the addition of MPs, Treatment 2 (P2) with the addition of a 1 % PET MPs concentration, and Treatment 3 (P3) with the addition of a 2 % PET MPs concentration. Rice seedlings were planted in the planting medium of each treatment and observed for 24 days after planting (dap). Treatment with the addition of PET MPs showed a significant reduction 38 %, 25 %, 25 % at root length, height, and fresh weight respectively. Additionally, in chlorophyll content there was a decrease of 42 %, 45 %, 55 % in Chl a, Chl b, and total Chl. This decrease may be caused by disturbances in nutrition and photosynthesis processes due to exposure to MPs. The addition of PET MPs to compost as a planting medium can inhibit the growth and health of rice seedlings. These findings underscore the critical need for effective management of plastic waste in agricultural compost to mitigate its adverse effects on plant growth and environmental sustainability. Proper disposal and treatment of plastic contaminants are essential to maintain the integrity of compost used in agriculture, thereby ensuring optimal plant health and ecological balance.