Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity evaluation of polystyrene microplastics on Vicia faba roots

In this study, the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on V. faba roots were investigated by exposing Vicia faba roots to PS-MPs (10 nm) for 24, 48, and 72 h. The viability, micronucleus rate, and reactive oxygen species metabolism of V. faba root border cells were then analyzed in detail, and a transcriptome sequencing analysis was performed. The results demonstrate that PS-MP treatment could significantly increase the percentage of late apoptotic cells and dead cells, which suggests that PS-MPs can lead the apoptosis or thanatosis of root margin cells. Moreover, the micronucleus rate in root samples exposed to PS-MPs is significantly greater and can be as high as 4.89 times of that in the control group. The mitotic index in the root sample processed with PS-MPs is reduced significantly and can be as low as 16.80 % of that in the control group. Furthermore, PS-MP treatment can increase the content of reactive oxygen (O2- and H2O2) and reduce the activity of antioxidase (superoxide dismutase SOD and peroxidase POD), causing significantly serious oxidative stress. Transcriptome analysis display PS-MPs could destroy the expression of antioxidant enzymes, cell cycle and DNA repair related genes in the young V. faba roots.PMID:34329043 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117821
Source: Environmental Pollution - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Source Type: research