Biodegradable nanoplastics pose a greater risk: Polylactide exceeds polystyrene in phytotoxicity and bioaccumulation in lettuce
Description
This dataset supports the research article entitled “Biodegradable nanoplastics pose a greater risk: Polylactide exceeds polystyrene in phytotoxicity and bioaccumulation in lettuce”. The study investigated the uptake, translocation, phytotoxicity, and plant defense mechanisms in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) exposed to conventional polystyrene (PS) and biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) nanoplastics (NPs). The data comprise five main categories: Nanoparticle Characterization: Data on the physicochemical properties of the pristine and europium (Eu)-labeled PS and PLA particles, including hydrodynamic diameter, zeta potential, and confirmation of chemical structure via Raman spectroscopy. Excitation and emission spectra validate the fluorescent properties of Eu-labeled particles for tracking. Plant Phenotype and Growth Parameters: Data on biomass, root and shoot length, and root system architecture of lettuce after 14 days of exposure to PS and PLA particles at concentrations of 0, 1, 5, 10, and 20 mg/L. Physiological and Biochemical Indicators: Measurements of photosynthetic pigment content (chlorophyll a, b, carotenoids), oxidative stress markers (MDA content), and antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, POD, CAT). Quantification of NPs in Plants: Data from inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) measuring Eu content in plant tissues (root, stem, leaf). This includes the standard curve correlating Eu mass to NPs mass, and the resulting calculated concentrations of PS-Eu and PLA-Eu particles in all tissues, bioconcentration factor (BCF), and translocation factors (TLF). This also includes quantitative data on root suberization and lignification. These data provide direct evidence for the higher bioavailability and phytotoxicity of biodegradable PLA NPs compared to conventional PS NPs, revealing associated plant defense responses. They are critical for understanding the fate of nanoplastics in plants and for the environmental risk assessment of biodegradable plastics.
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Steps to reproduce
Steps to Reproduce: Uptake and Phytotoxicity of PS and PLA Nanoplastics in Lettuce Dataset Overview: This dataset contains experimental data from a hydroponic study exposing lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) to polystyrene (PS) and polylactic acid (PLA) nanoplastics (NPs). The data support findings on NP uptake, translocation, physiological impacts, and plant defense responses. Prerequisites: Software: The primary data analysis and graphing were performed using SPSS (v22.0) for statistical analysis and Origin 2021 for graphing. Reproduction Steps: Figure 1 （Nanoparticle Characterization） Steps: Plot the hydrodynamic diameter and zeta potential for PS, PLA, PS-Eu, and PLA-Eu from the provided data.Compare the Raman spectra of labeled (PS-Eu, PLA-Eu) and unlabeled (PS, PLA) particles to verify that Eu(TTA)₃ incorporation did not alter the chemical structure. The spectra should closely overlap.Check the excitation/emission spectra to confirm the fluorescent properties of the Eu-labeled NPs. Figure 2 (Growth Parameters): Steps: Import the data on shoot height, root length, and fresh weight into a graphing software (e.g., Origin). Plot the data as bar graphs (mean ± SD) for different NP types and concentrations (0, 1, 5, 10, 20 mg L⁻¹). Perform one-way ANOVA with LSD post-hoc test in SPSS using the raw data to generate the significance indicators (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). Figure 3 (Oxidative Stress Markers): Steps: Plot the activities of SOD, POD, CAT, and MDA content as bar charts across the concentration gradient. The statistical analysis output from SPSS should match the significance levels marked on the figure. Figure 4 (Nutrient Content): Steps: Use the data for each element (P, K, Fe, Zn, etc.) in roots, stems, and leaves. Statistical significance can be verified using the provided raw data and ANOVA/t-test in SPSS. Figure 8 (Suberization and Lignification): Step : The root cell wall thickness measurements from TEM images are available in sheet. The lignin content data for roots and leaves at different concentrations is provided in the sheet. Perform a t-test/ANOVA to confirm the significant thickening under PS and PLA stress. Table 5 (NPs Uptake and Quantification) This sheet contains the Europium (Eu) mass measured by ICP-MS in plant tissues. The corresponding NPs mass was calculated using the standard curve . The Bioconcentration Factor (BCF) and Translocation Factors (TLF) are calculated as described in the associated manuscript [24].