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Nano-microplastic and agro-ecosystems: a mini-review
Krishan K Verma1, Xiu-Peng Song1, Lin Xu1
1Sugarcane Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biotechnology and Genetic Improvement (Guangxi), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Genetic Improvement, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
Frontiers in Plant Science
|December 6, 2023
Summary
Plastic contamination from microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) harms agroecosystems and plant growth. Further research is vital to understand their impact on food safety and security.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Agricultural Science
- Ecotoxicology
Background:
- Widespread plastic use leads to environmental accumulation of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs).
- MPs and NPs are increasingly detected in soil and atmosphere, posing risks to agroecosystems.
- Current research often overlooks the fate of bioplastics as micro- and nano-particles (MBPs and NBPs) in agricultural settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the pervasive issue of microplastic and nanoplastic contamination in agroecosystems.
- To emphasize the need for understanding the distribution, concentration, fate, and sources of MPs, NPs, MBPs, and NBPs.
- To address knowledge gaps concerning the environmental impact of these plastic particles on farming systems and food security.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on plastic pollution in agroecosystems.
- Analysis of environmental dispersion pathways, including plastic film mulching and waste deposition.
- Identification of research gaps regarding bioplastic-derived particles.
Main Results:
- Microplastics and nanoplastics significantly impact agroecosystem functioning and plant development.
- Plastic film mulching and waste contribute substantially to plastic particle deposition in farmlands.
- The dissolution of bioplastics into micro- and nano-particles (MBPs and NBPs) is an understudied area.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the environmental impact of micro- and nanoplastics in farming systems is crucial.
- Addressing knowledge gaps is essential for protecting global food safety and security.
- Further investigation into the sources and fate of all plastic particle types, including those from bioplastics, is required.
