Polyester microfibers delay growth of cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme) throughout the lifecycle.

ABSTRACT: Agroecosystems are increasingly recognized as major basins for terrestrial microplastics. Many agricultural practices have led to high loading of plastic mulch films, synthetic microfibers, and other microplastics onto fields. There is demonstrated ability for microplastics to influence soil properties and plant productivity, but these effects are highly variable by species, soil, and life stage. Here, we conduct a lifecycle assessment of how polyester microfibers, a dominant biosolid contaminant, affect the development of cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme) in peaty growing medium. We distinguish the importance of physical and chemical characteristics of microfibers by comparing plants in soil containing microfibers at 0.5% soil weight, or soil watered with leachate isol

SUBMITTER: Djuric N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12803464 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature