Emerging contaminants and their influence on plants: An in-depth review

In recent years, soil pollution from emerging contaminants has attracted significant global attention. These contaminants comprise a wide range of substances, including industrial by-products, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, pesticides, microplastics, phthalates, nanomaterials, and their transformation products. Their diverse nature and persistence in environment pose serious threats to soil functionality, plant health. Every year, the production and discharge of these compounds contribute to their extensive distribution worldwide. Many of these emerging contaminants exhibit strong soil adsorption and bioaccumulation capacity within food webs, leading to their persistence in both terrestrial and aquatic systems leading to complex, often unpredictable ecological consequences. This review synthesizes recent findings on the sources and environmental impacts of emerging contaminants, with a particular focus on plants. It highlights their effects on plant growth, the mechanisms of phytotoxicity, and the broader implications for crop productivity, soil health, and agricultural sustainability. By elucidating the interactions between these contaminants and plant systems, this work also underscores the need for effective mitigation strategies to protect ecosystems, food security, and human well-being.