Changes in soil properties and microbial activity unveil the distinct impact of polyethylene and biodegradable microplastics on chromium uptake by peanuts.

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging persistent pollutants, and heavy metals are typical environmental pollutants, with their coexistence potentially compounding pollution and ecological risks. However, the interactive impacts and the relevant mechanisms of heavy metal and different types of MPs in plant-soil systems are still unclear. This study investigated the differential impacts of polyethylene MPs (PE MPs) and biodegradable polybutylene adipate MPs (PBAT MPs) on chromium (Cr) uptake in peanuts, focusing on plant performance and rhizosphere soil microenvironment. Compared with nondegradable PE-MPs, biodegradable PBAT MPs produced less significant influences on plant phytotoxicity, soil Cr bioavailability, and soil properties such as pH, CEC, DOC, and MBC, with the exception of MBN in Cr-contaminated soils. Compared to the control, soil pH and cation exchange capacity (CEC) decreased by MPs, while soil-soluble carbon (DOC), microbial biomass carbon, and nitrogen (MBC and MBN) increased by MPs. Compared to the control, soil-bioavailable Cr increased by 11.8-177.8% under PE MPs treatments, while increased by 5.1-156.9% under PBAT MPs treatments. The highest Cr content in shoots and roots was observed at 500.0 mg·kg Cr level, which increased by 53.1% and 79.2% under 5% PE MPs treatments, respectively, as well as increased by 38.3% and 60.4% under 5% PBAT MPs treatments, respectively, compared with the control. The regression path analysis indicated that pH, MBC, MBN, and soil-bioavailable Cr played a vital role in the changes of soil properties and Cr uptake by peanuts induced by MPs. Soil bacterial community analysis revealed that Nocardioides, Proteobacteria, and Sphingomonas were reduced by the inhibition of MPs, which affected Cr uptake by peanuts. These results indicated that the peanut soil microenvironment was affected by PBAT and PE MPs, altering the Cr bioavailability and plant Cr uptake in Cr-contaminated soil.