Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I am wondering how plastics and polymers (specifically styrofoam) affect the health and growth of plants. Can you tell me how quickly plastics produce leachate, and will that adversely impact the soil's ability to nourish plants?

Hello,
The Ask the Expert forum is for students in grades K-12 who are working on a science project.

Your account shows you as a "parent" - are you helping your son or daughter with a science project? If so, please describe the project, including the hypothesis and how your son or daughter plans to conduct an experiment to get information to test the hypothesis.

If you aren't doing a science project, then there are other web sites where your questions would be more appropriate.
Thank you.