Nanoplastic impacts on the foliar uptake, metabolism and phytotoxicity of phthalate esters in corn (Zea mays L.) plants

Nanoplastic pollution in terrestrial plants is of increasing concern for its negative effects on living organisms. However, the impacts of nanoplastics on chemical processes and plant physiology of phthalate esters (PAEs) remain unclear. The present work offers insight into the foliar uptake, metabolism and phytotoxicity of two typical PAEs, namely, di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), in corn (Zea mays L.) seedlings and the effects of amino-functionalized polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs-NH₂). The presence of PSNPs-NH₂ increased DBP and DEHP accumulation in the leaves by 1.36 and 1.32 times, respectively. PSNPs-NH₂ also promoted the leaf-to-root translocation of DBP and DEHP, with the translocation factor increasing by approximately 1.05- and 1.16-fold, respectively. Furthermore, the addition of PSNPs-NH₂ significantly enhanced the transformation of PAEs to their primary metabolites, mono-butyl phthalate and mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in corn leaves and roots. The co-presence of PSNPs-NH₂ and PAEs showed stronger impairment of photosystem II efficiency via the downregulation of transporter D1 protein, thus exhibiting a greater inhibitory effect on plant growth. Our findings reveal that nanoplastics promote the foliar uptake and transformation of PAE chemicals in crops and exacerbate their toxicity to crop plants, thereby threatening agricultural safety and human health.