Metabolomic insights into the synergistic effects of nanoplastics and freeze-thaw cycles on Secale cereale L. seedling physiology

Environmental stressors, such as nanoplastics (NPs) and freeze-thaw cycles (FTC), are increasingly prevalent, posing significant risks to plant health and agricultural productivity. NPs, being persistent and ubiquitous, can disrupt plant physiological processes, while FTC, common in temperate climates, exacerbates the oxidative damage caused by NPs, leading to further impairment of plant cellular structures. This study investigates the combined effects of these stressors on rye seedlings, exposing them to 100 mg/L polystyrene NPs and simulating early winter conditions with temperature fluctuations between 5 degrees C and - 5 degrees C. FTC exposure exacerbated oxidative stress, as indicated by increased hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) accumulation and elevated superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, suggesting severe oxidative damage. Photosynthesis was significantly inhibited, as evidenced by reduced chlorophyll content and net photosynthetic rate (Pn), accompanied by heightened membrane lipid peroxidation, indicating aggravated cellular membrane damage under combined stress conditions. Additionally, metabolomic analysis revealed significant alterations in key metabolic pathways, including the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, aminoacyl-tRNA synthesis, and lipid metabolism, which were notably influenced by the combined stressors. The activation of the ascorbate-glutathione (AsA-GSH) cycle suggests a protective adaptive response to mitigate oxidative stress. These findings highlight that the interaction between NPs and abiotic stressors, such as FTC, profoundly alters plant physiological and metabolic responses, ultimately compromising plant growth and resilience. This study underscores the necessity of integrated environmental assessments that consider the synergistic effects of multiple stress factors. Such assessments are essential for developing strategies to enhance plant tolerance to escalating environmental pollutants and climate-induced stressors.