Combined Effects of Polyethylene Microplastics and Biochar on Chlorophyll Content in Wheat (Triticum aestivum)

Microplastic contamination in agricultural soils is an emerging concern for crop health and productivity. This study investigated the short-term (21-day) effects of polyethylene (PE) microplastics and wood biochar, both individually and in combination, on the chlorophyll content of wheat ( Triticum aestivum ) seedlings grown under semi-natural outdoor conditions. Eight treatments were established: control (S), three PE concentrations (S + PE 0.5%, 1%, and 2%), biochar alone (S + B), and three combined PE + biochar treatments (S + B + PE 0.5%, 1%, and 2%). Chlorophyll content was determined spectrophotometrically from the third fully expanded leaf. PE microplastic exposure led to slight, non-significant reductions in chlorophyll, indicating minor physiological stress, whereas biochar significantly enhanced pigment levels. Combined PE + biochar treatments restored chlorophyll content close to control values, demonstrating biochar’s capacity to mitigate microplastic-induced stress. These findings highlight biochar’s potential as a practical soil amendment for sustaining early plant physiological stability in microplastic-contaminated soils.