Synergistic effects of polystyrene microplastics and trace elements on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) physiology: implications for seed germination, metabolites production, and transcriptomic insights

The interaction between microplastics (MPs) and trace elements (TEs) and their combined impact on plant physiology is an emerging concern in environmental science. In this comprehensive study, we investigated the effects of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) and TEs on the physiological growth, and secondary metabolites of wheat. Our results demonstrated that a combined treatment of PS-MPs (50 mg/L) and molybdenum VI oxide (0.01%) significantly enhanced wheat seed germination, including germination rate, final germination percentage, and coefficient of velocity of germination (CVG). We employed response surface methodology (RSM) to identify the low-dose, hormetic TE concentrations that maximize secondary metabolite production in wheat leaves. Metabolomic analysis revealed substantial alterations in amino acid, fatty acid, and energy metabolism. Transcriptomic analysis identified specific genes associated with secondary metabolite production and plant defense mechanisms. Our findings provided critical insights into the complex interactions between MPs and TEs in plants and lay the foundation for future research on their long-term effects on plant health and development. Clinical trial number: Not applicable