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Unveiling the impact of polystyrene nanoplastics on tea seedlings: uptake, translocation, and oxidative stress‐mediated alterations
Original title: Unveiling the impact of polystyrene nanoplastics on tea seedlings: uptake, translocation, and oxidative stress‐mediated alterations
Summary
Scientists found that tiny plastic particles (nanoplastics) can be absorbed by tea plants' roots and travel up into their leaves, causing stress inside the plant. Depending on how much plastic the plants were exposed to, levels of theanine—a compound that gives tea its calming, savory flavor—either increased or dropped sharply, meaning heavy plastic pollution could actually change the quality of the tea we drink. While this study was done in a lab setting rather than real farms, it raises real questions about whether plastic pollution in soil and water could work its way into everyday foods and drinks.
Abstract Background The accumulation of nano‐plastics in terrestrial environments raises urgent concerns for crop safety, but little is known about their bioavailability and impact in perennial plants like tea ( Camellia sinensis L.). This study investigated the uptake and physiological effects of 80 nm polystyrene nano‐plastics (PS‐NPs) in hydroponically grown tea seedlings. Result Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) visualized PS‐NPs in root cortices and leaf tissues, confirming systemic translocation. Exposure to PS‐NPs (10–100 mg L −1 ) for durations of 1, 3 and 7 days triggered concentration‐dependent oxidative stress and defense responses: root catalase (CAT) activity was initially suppressed by 69.7% (50 mg L −1 ) but later induced 15‐fold, while leaf glutathione S‐transferase (GST) activity was significantly inhibited. Notably, theanine content in leaves increased by 77.6% at 10 mg L −1 but decreased by 70.1% at 100 mg L −1 . Conclusion The findings demonstrate PS‐NPs uptake and their impact on tea seedling physiology and quality‐related metabolites, underscoring potential risks to perennial crops. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.