Examining the Influence of Microplastics on Photosynthesis and Assessing Probiotic Bacteria as a Remedial Approach
R. Jung
Orange County School of the Arts, Santa Ana, USA
Publication date: October 23, 2024
Orange County School of the Arts, Santa Ana, USA
Publication date: October 23, 2024
DOI: http://doi.org/10.34614/JIYRC202415
ABSTRACT
With the rapidly escalating rate of plastic-based pollution, especially in our waterways and oceans, this research addresses the impact of microplastic pollution on the photosynthesis of aquatic plants through observing the oxygen production of Elodea Densa. It additionally identifies the effectiveness of probiotic bacteria as a possible treatment. In this experiment, 10g of Elodea Densa is placed under a funnel in a beaker of 8.0g/L microplastic solution which is compared to a plant in a sodium bicarbonate solution (control). The oxygen production was measured by collecting the oxygen produced in a test tube. Each trial consisted of 6-hour testing, with measurements in 30-minute intervals. The results indicate that microplastics significantly hinder photosynthesis (oxygen production) indicating that microplastics can directly impact plant health. To determine the effect of probiotics on rescuing oxygen production in Elodea Densa plants in microplastic conditions, another sample was prepared with 10g of concentrated lactobacillus solution (probiotics) in the microplastic sample. Here, the probiotics were able to slightly attenuate this effect, representing a possible solution to future plant health mitigation.
With the rapidly escalating rate of plastic-based pollution, especially in our waterways and oceans, this research addresses the impact of microplastic pollution on the photosynthesis of aquatic plants through observing the oxygen production of Elodea Densa. It additionally identifies the effectiveness of probiotic bacteria as a possible treatment. In this experiment, 10g of Elodea Densa is placed under a funnel in a beaker of 8.0g/L microplastic solution which is compared to a plant in a sodium bicarbonate solution (control). The oxygen production was measured by collecting the oxygen produced in a test tube. Each trial consisted of 6-hour testing, with measurements in 30-minute intervals. The results indicate that microplastics significantly hinder photosynthesis (oxygen production) indicating that microplastics can directly impact plant health. To determine the effect of probiotics on rescuing oxygen production in Elodea Densa plants in microplastic conditions, another sample was prepared with 10g of concentrated lactobacillus solution (probiotics) in the microplastic sample. Here, the probiotics were able to slightly attenuate this effect, representing a possible solution to future plant health mitigation.
