Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition (2025) has published a breakthrough study demonstrating how a combined biological approach using immobilized laccase enzymes and the beneficial bacterium Pseudomonas putida can effectively degrade microplastics (MPs) in agricultural soils and restore soil–plant health.
The research team conducted greenhouse experiments with maize (Zea mays L.) grown in microplastic-contaminated soils. Treatments included control soil, microplastics alone, P. putida alone, immobilized laccase alone, and a combined laccase–microbe application.
After 60 days, the combined treatment showed the highest degradation of microplastics (21.38%), alongside significant increases in laccase and dehydrogenase enzyme activities, microbial biomass, and soil microbial diversity. Maize plants under this treatment exhibited enhanced shoot and root growth, higher chlorophyll a content, and improved photosynthesis rates. Moreover, organic acid profiling indicated elevated oxalic and citric acid levels in root exudates—markers of improved soil–plant biochemical interactions.
The study concludes that combining immobilized laccase and P. putida represents a promising eco-friendly strategy for microplastic remediation. This enzyme–microbe synergy not only reduces microplastic load in soil but also enhances nutrient cycling, soil fertility, and plant productivity—key steps toward sustainable agriculture.
Reference
Alshegaihi, R. M., Alenezi, M. A., Alghanem, S. M. S., Alshaharni, M. O., Alqurashi, M., Alhelaify, S. S., Alharthy, O. M., & Fayad, E. (2025). Synergistic Remediation of Microplastics-Contaminated Soil by Immobilized Laccase and Pseudomonas putida: Insights into Microbial Activity, Soil Enzymatic, and Molecular Responses in Maize (Zea Mays L.). Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42729-025-02780-7
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