Publication Date
Spring 4-22-2026
Presentation Length
Poster/Gallery presentation
College
College of Sciences & Mathematics
Department
Biology, Department of
Student Level
Undergraduate
Faculty Mentor
Darlene Panvini
Presentation Type
Poster
Summary
Microplastics have emerged as a growing concern due to their increasing prevalence in terrestrial ecosystems. Understanding how microplastics affect plant growth is crucial for the agricultural industry, as crop productivity and soil quality have a direct impact on food security and farm sustainability. This study examined the impact of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics on the germination and growth rate of Raphanus sativus. Seeds were grown for six weeks in a controlled growth chamber in petri plates and soil pots containing varying concentrations of PVC microplastics (0, 25, 50, 75, 100 mg/L), including untreated PVC and PVC artificially weathered through ultraviolet radiation exposure. Percent germination and shoot and root growth rates were measured and compared across treatments. Plants exposed to PVC microplastics were expected to exhibit lower germination and slower growth rates relative to the control group, regardless of PVC weathering treatment. However, the plants with microplastic exposure were found to grow longer root and shoot lengths. These findings suggest that PVC microplastics can affect the growth of Raphanus sativus, which may have broader implications for plant productivity, soil health, and ecosystem stability. Future applications of this research may help agricultural workers develop strategies to reduce PVC use and mitigate microplastic contamination in terrestrial environments.
Recommended Citation
Fawkes, Olivia; Fulton, Alissia D.; and Panvini, Darlene, "Impact of PVC Microplastics on the Growth of Raphanus sativus" (2026). SPARK Symposium Presentations. 863.
https://repository.belmont.edu/spark_presentations/863
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Botany Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology Commons
