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Microplastic/nanoplastic toxicity in plants: an imminent concern
Tapati Roy1,2, Thuhin K Dey3,2, Mamun Jamal4,5
1Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Khulna Agricultural University, Khulna, Bangladesh.
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
|October 24, 2022
Summary
Microplastics and nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) pose a threat to terrestrial plants and the food chain. This review examines MPs/NPs entry, phytotoxicity, and remediation strategies for food safety.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Plant Biology
- Food Safety
Background:
- Microplastics/nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) impact aquatic ecosystems, but terrestrial plant impacts and food chain contamination are understudied.
- MPs/NPs uptake and translocation in plants affect their morphology, physiology, biochemistry, and genetics.
- A significant research gap exists concerning MPs/NPs entry mechanisms, factors influencing phytotoxicity, and remediation for food security.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review sources of MPs/NPs intrusion in agroecosystems and preventive measures.
- To analyze MPs/NPs accumulation and transmission routes in plant tissues.
- To explore solutions for improving food quality and quantity affected by MPs/NPs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on terrestrial plant exposure to MPs/NPs.
- Analysis of factors influencing MPs/NPs phytotoxicity.
- Exploration of remediation strategies including exogenous melatonin, engineered plants, beneficial microorganisms, and encapsulated enzymes.
Main Results:
- MPs/NPs alter plant properties, with varying degrees of impact.
- Understanding entry routes and influencing factors is crucial for mitigating phytotoxicity.
- Potential solutions involve enhancing plant stress tolerance and accelerating MPs/NPs degradation in soil.
Conclusions:
- Preventive measures against MPs/NPs in agroecosystems are essential.
- Exogenous melatonin and engineered plants show promise for enhancing plant stress tolerance.
- Beneficial microorganisms and encapsulated enzymes offer avenues for faster MPs/NPs degradation, improving food safety and security.
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