Jason Christopher White

Soil serves as a significant sink for microplastics, posing considerable risks to both the ecological and human health. The diverse composition and dynamic transformation of microplastics present major challenges for remediation as conventional strategies often fail to achieve efficient and complete decomposition. In this study, biochar was applied to microplastic-contaminated soil as a conductive material to initiate transient electric heating under a low-power input. This approach facilitated near-complete decomposition of soil microplastics (>95.0%) across the tested soil and microplastic types while preventing soil hardening. Specifically, electric heating enhanced interactions between soil microplastics and the biochar conductor, leading to the formation of highly aromatic carbon (HAC). The resulting HAC not only improved soil microecology but also supported the growth of pak choi (Brassica campestris L. ssp.). The newly formed HAC was found to upregulate the expression of auxin-responsive gene families, including Aux/IAA and GH3, in the roots. HAC enriched tryptamine in the rhizosphere, and tryptamine abundance was positively correlated with the relative abundance of Sphingomonas, a genus with a reported capacity to convert tryptamine-derived intermediates toward indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) biosynthesis. These findings demonstrate that transient electric heating offers a sustainable strategy for decomposing diverse soil microplastics and that the remediated soil remains safe and conducive for agricultural production.

Translocation of lignin-grafted poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (LNPs) and CuS-C18-loaded LNPs was investigated in hydroponically grown soybean (Glycine max) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa). Fluorescent polymer characterization using NMR and FTIR spectroscopy confirmed successful conjugation, and Rhodamine 640-labeled nanoparticles (F-LNPs) were synthesized and characterized for size, surface charge, and morphology. TEM imaging revealed that both F-LNPs and CuS-C18 F-LNPs exhibited spherical morphology. Particle tracking analysis indicated similar sizes for LNPs and F-LNPs, while CuS loading increased particle diameter from 96.5 to 110.6 nm. Rho640 release from LNPs in simulated apoplastic fluid (pH 5.5) was gradual, reaching ∼72% after 72 h. For translocation studies, soybean and lettuce plants were hydroponically exposed for 3 days to F-LNPs, with or without CuS-C18. Control groups included untreated plants, free Rho640, and empty LNPs. Fluorescence intensity and Cu/S content were quantified in plant tissues (soybean: roots, stems, and leaves; lettuce: roots and leaves) to evaluate nanoparticle uptake and transport. Fluorescence intensity was significantly higher in treated plants, particularly in roots, and confocal imaging further confirmed enhanced uptake and systemic distribution. Plants treated with CuS-C18-loaded F-LNPs showed greater Cu accumulation than those treated with unloaded F-LNPs, with concentrations decreasing from roots to leaves, consistent with root exposure pathways. These findings demonstrate that lignin-grafted PLGA nanoparticles can effectively deliver and transport CuS-C18 in multiple crop species. This delivery platform enables controlled release, reduces the need for high doses of free metal nanoparticles, and may lower environmental persistence and off-target risks, improving the sustainability of nano-enabled agricultural applications.

The root application of nano-BN exerts multiple promoting effects on soybean, including improved photosynthesis, enhanced nodule biomass, increased nutrient accumulation, and altered biogeochemical cycling.

Miscanthus sinensis, a pioneer species in manganese (Mn) tailings, can survive under high Mn stress. However, its rhizosphere microorganisms involved in Mn biotransformation and detoxification remain poorly understood. This study characterized an indigenous strain, Priestia aryabhattai XT78, isolated from the rhizosphere of M. sinensis at in situ Mn tailings. Multi-omics and physiological analyses supported the involvement of both multicopper oxidase-associated oxidation and pH elevation in XT78-mediated Mn(II) oxidation, leading to the formation of lamellar and network-like biogenic Mn oxides. In pot experiments, XT78 inoculation facilitated rhizosphere colonization, decreased soil Mn(II) by 21.3%, increased Mn(III/IV) by 22.7%, and improved soil nutrients. XT78 inoculation was also associated with shifts in microbial community structure and enrichment of taxa (Acidobacteriota, Gemmatimonadota, and Firmicutes) associated with metal resistance, Mn oxidation, and biofilm formation. These changes were accompanied by improved plant growth, including increased biomass and chlorophyll content, enhanced root development through indole-acetamide pathway-associated indole-3-acetic acid synthesis, and reduced Mn translocation. These findings highlight the potential of P. aryabhattai as an indigenous multifunctional inoculant for Mn biotransformation, rhizosphere detoxification, and tailings bioremediation.

This field study evaluated nanosulfur to control powdery mildew on mature grapevines (Vitis vinifera cv. Chardonnay) over 56 days (growth stages E-L 32 to E-L 35/36). Three sulfur nanoformulations, uncoated (NS), stearic acid-coated (SA), and polyvinylpyrrolidone-coated (PVP), were applied at 1.47 kg/ha per application, alongside a commercial micronized sulfur (Microthiol Disperss) at 14.7 kg/ha, and a water-only control. The sulfur nanoformulations achieved similar plant protection against powdery mildew to micronized sulfur but at a 10-fold lower rate, demonstrating greater efficiency. While fruit yield and relative chlorophyll levels did not differ from micronized sulfur, nanosulfur treatment influenced grape quality, particularly titratable acidity, grape juice pH, and elemental content. Nanosulfur treatments enhanced oxidative stress responses, particularly catalase activity, indicating a potential role in plant host defense in grapevines. This work contributes to the growing body of evidence demonstrating the efficacy of nanomaterials in the field, not only for plant protection but also for the potential for increasing yield and crop quality in viticulture.

Microplastics (MPs) pollution has become an emerging environmental issue in agricultural soils, raising concerns about its accumulation in crops and potential transfer through the food chain. However, the mechanisms by which crop genotypes associated MPs uptake and accumulation remain largely unclear. Most previous studies have focused on single cultivars, overlooking intraspecific variability in MPs accumulation. Here, two tomato cultivars, ‘AC’ (high‐accumulation) and ‘M82’ (low‐accumulation), were used to investigate the uptake and accumulation of polystyrene (PS). After 14 days of exposure, the two cultivars showed similar biomass. However, ‘AC’ accumulated more PS in roots than ‘M82’ (≈ 19%), as quantified by Eu content (mg/kg, representing the amount of Eu‐PS tracer labelling and indicating PS content), indicating genotype‐dependent accumulation capacity. Spatial imaging revealed no significant cultivar difference in MPs uptake in the undifferentiated root tip; slight divergence appeared from the meristematic‐to‐elongation transition zone onward, whereas significant differences were observed in the maturation zone. Multi‐omics analyses indicated that ‘M82’ exhibited enhanced accumulation of cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, and lignin, which were associated with apoplastic barrier remodelling in the maturation zone and may be related to its lower PS accumulation. Collectively, these findings suggest that genotype‐dependent apoplastic barrier traits are correlated with differential MPs accumulation in tomato roots, highlighting potential traits for future efforts to develop crop genotypes with reduced MPs uptake.

Plant associated microbes play pivotal role in promoting host fitness and health. However, modern agricultural practices, such as agrochemicals use and domestication are eroding plant-microbe partnership. Here, we show that nanoenabled seed priming strengthens plant-microbe interactions, enhancing the plant holobiont performance. We found that SiO2@CuO nanozymes (NZs) with peroxidase (POD)-like activities, as seed priming agent, initiate earlier and stronger seed respiration and boost exudates release (sugars, amino acids, and fatty acids), creating a nutrient-rich and transiently hypoxic spermosphere microenvironment. Field trials revealed that by day 40, rhizosphere microbiome diversity increased, with enrichment of functional taxa involved in carbon and nitrogen metabolism, as determined by 16S rRNA and metagenomic sequencing. Throughout the growing season, above-ground tissues in the nanopriming group consistently outperformed the hydropriming control in photosynthetic pigment content and plant height. At harvest, without additional fertilizers or other inputs, nanopriming increased maize yield by 8.1% and improved kernel nutritional quality: starch (21.0%), protein (24.5%), and iron (24.2%). Soil nutrient availability (N, P, K, Ca) and cation exchange capacity also increased, indicating the improved soil quality. Notably, the soil from nanopriming group confers the subsequent maize crop with better drought tolerance and enhanced P uptake capacity, compared to the soil from hydropriming group, indicating beneficial legacy effect. This study demonstrates that a simple seed nanopriming can steer a positive feedback loop between plant and microbe, cascading into multifaceted holobiont benefits. This offers a sustainable strategy to harness plant microbiomes and promote sustainable and climate resilient agriculture.