<![CDATA[Microplastic contamination has emerged as a global environmental issue, with growing evidence of its presence in water, soil, and air systems. However, the effects of microplastics on plant growth and nutrient composition, particularly in leafy vegetables such as spinach (Amaranthus sp.), remain underexplored. This study evaluated the effects of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics on the growth and nutritional composition of spinach. An exploratory pot experiment was conducted using PET microplastic concentrations of 0, 10, 15, and 20 g per 3 kg of Andosol soil. Plant height, leaf number, and root length were recorded, while moisture, ash, fat, protein, and carbohydrate contents were determined through proximate analysis. The highest plant height, leaf number, and root length were observed at the 20 g PET treatment. Moisture content decreased at 10 and 15 g before slightly increasing at 20 g, whereas ash and lipid contents showed only minor variations across treatments. Protein content was highest at 10 g, while carbohydrate content increased at 10 and 15 g before declining at 20 g. These findings provide experimental evidence that PET microplastics are associated with changes in spinach growth and proximate composition, contributing to a better understanding of the potential implications of microplastic contamination for edible crop quality and sustainable agricultural systems.]]>
Copyrights © 2026
