Microplastics enter strawberry fruit tissues directly through the epidermis.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Food Science
• Plant Biology

Background:

• Plant absorption is a key pathway for contaminants entering food chains.
• While plant leaves can absorb microplastics (MPs), evidence of their accumulation in edible fruit tissues is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the uptake and internalization of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) in strawberry fruits.
• To evaluate the impact of PS-MPs on strawberry fruit quality and nutritional characteristics.

Main Methods:

• Utilized fluorescence labelling and in-situ imaging to track PS-MPs in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) fruit epidermis.
• Investigated size-dependent uptake pathways, including stomatal entry and endocytosis.
• Assessed fruit weight, acidity, and antioxidant composition following PS-MPs exposure.

Main Results:

• Micron-sized (2 μm) and nano-sized (80 nm and 200 nm) PS-MPs were taken up by strawberry fruit epidermis.
• Uptake pathways were size-dependent: larger MPs entered via stomata, while smaller MPs used stomata and endocytosis.
• PS-MPs exposure led to reduced fruit weight, increased acidity, and altered antioxidant composition.

Conclusions:

• Atmospheric MPs in agricultural environments can accumulate in fruit-bearing crops.
• This accumulation may negatively affect fruit yield, flavor, and nutritional value.
• Fruit tissues should be considered in assessing dietary exposure to environmental MPs.