Vertical movement of microplastics by roots of wheat plant (Triticum aestivum) and the plant response in sandy soil

Abstract Microplastics persist as a challenging pollutant in agroecosystems, posing potential risks to soil health and crop productivity. Root growth, elongation and expansion may significantly influence the vertical transport and infiltration of microplastics into the soil profile. Wheat plants ( Triticum aestivum ) grown in 70 cm deep rhizotrons were investigated for their influence on the vertical movement of two prevalent microplastic shapes, polyester fibres and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) fragments. Wheat was chosen for its dense and extensive fibrous and fine root system, which is a robust model for studying root-soil-microplastic interactions. Microplastics at a 0.24% w/w dry soil weight concentration were homogeneously distributed in the topsoil (0–20 cm). Infiltration of polyester fibres up to 50 cm into the soil profile was discerned as strong adherence to plant roots. PVC fragments exhibited greater mobility, reaching depths of 70 cm in the presence and absence of wheat plants. Plant growth response on exposure to microplastics appeared in the form of increased root branching and decreased shoot biomass, indicating a stress response in wheat plants. The results prove the vertical movement of microplastics, while the infiltration depth was influenced by microplastic shape. Movement was detected as either strong adherence of polyester fibres to plant roots or infiltration of PVC fragments. PVC fragments may have infiltrated through preferential flow paths in soil pores and the fissures created by root elongation and water movement.