Exploring Rhizospheric Interactions and Processes in Plants Exposed to Nanoplastics

A 6-month internship, preferably starting in February, but flexible

Soils are increasingly recognized as major sinks for plastic pollution, especially through agricultural practices and sewage sludge application. Among plastic debris, nanoplastics (1–1000 nm) represent an emerging concern due to their potential bioavailability and toxicity, yet their environmental behavior remains poorly understood. Recent studies have shown that nanoplastics can be taken up by plant roots and translocated to edible tissues, suggesting a possible entry route into the food chain. However, most existing studies were conducted under unrealistic hydroponic conditions and did not explore the role of rhizosphere processes in modulating nanoplastic uptake.
In this internship, we will develop an experimental system to study the absorption of nanoplastics by lettuce plants and to extract and analyze root exudates. We will also investigate the effects of nanoplastic exposure on plant physiology and assess the mechanisms governing their uptake and bioavailability in soil conditions.
Planned analysis :
– Extraction of root exudates and analysis by Total Organic Carbon (TOC) and ion chromatography
– Quantification of nanoplastic uptake by ICP-MS
– Mapping of nanoplastics in plant roots using nano-XRF
– Screening of plant effects using Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR)
To aply Send CV and cover letter to ana.pradas-del-real univ-grenoble-alpes.fr