Shape-dependent polyurethane microplastics reprogram root architecture and detoxification modules to suppress cadmium uptake in a hyperaccumulator

Phytoaccumulation of Micro- and Nanoplastics: Root Uptake

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Researchers examined how plants absorb micro- and nanoplastics through their roots, finding that these particles travel through soil and water systems to enter the food chain via crops, raising concerns about human exposure through plant-based foods.

Microplastic modulates cadmium toxicity in duckweed: Insights into metal uptakes and oxidative stress in the plant

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Researchers found that microplastics in water reduced duckweed's uptake of toxic cadmium by adsorbing the metal onto plastic fibers and causing it to settle into sediments rather than enter plants. While this may seem protective, it highlights a troubling dual role: microplastics can redistribute heavy metals through aquatic systems in ways that affect long-term contamination patterns.

Micro- and Nanoplastics on Plant Functionalities

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Researchers reviewed how micro- and nanoplastics affect plant physiology and function — including germination, root growth, photosynthesis, and nutrient uptake — across a range of crop and wild plant species. Plant uptake of plastic particles is a key mechanism by which microplastic contamination moves from soil into the human food supply, making these effects central to understanding dietary exposure risks.

Decoupling Soil Heavy Metal Availability from Plant Uptake under Microplastic Contamination: Evidence from Soil–Plant experiments and Density Functional Theory Modeling

Combined toxicity and ecological impacts of soil microplastics and heavy metals in rhizosphere microenvironments: a comprehensive review

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This systematic review of 109 studies found that co-contamination of rhizosphere soils with microplastics and heavy metals produces non-linear, synergistic effects on soil physicochemical properties, enzyme activity, microbial communities, and plant physiology. The combined toxicity is more persistent and damaging than either contaminant alone, underscoring the need for context-specific risk assessments in agricultural and ecosystem management.