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Physiological and biochemical responses of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) to polyethylene micro- and nanoplastics exposure
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Scientists exposed basil plants to tiny plastic particles (micro- and nanoplastics) and found the plastics could travel up into the plant's stems and leaves, stunting root growth and causing cell damage and stress. This matters because basil is a common food crop, and this research suggests that plastic pollution in soil could work its way into the plants we eat—raising questions about how much of these plastics might end up on our plates, though more research is needed to understand the risks to human health.
Although plastic threatens terrestrial ecosystems, the effects of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) combination in plants remain poorly understood and need in-depth investigations. This study investigates the effects of polyethylene MNPs (0.1% w/v; Ø 200-9900 nm) on Ocimum basilicum by exposing seeds to MNPs for 5 days (Seed Treatment; ST) or hydroponically-grown 20-day seedlings for 15 days (Plant Treatment; PT). Biometric, physiological, cytological, ultrastructural responses, oxidative stress level and antioxidant responses were analyzed. In PT, transmission electron microscopy revealed MNPs presence in xylem vessel of stem, highlighting the translocation of smaller particles to aerial parts. MNPs adsorption onto roots reduced water uptake, affecting plant metabolism. ST impaired root growth, with signs of cyto-genotoxicity and oxidative damage. PT reduced CO₂ assimilation due to stomatal limitations and altered plants biometric traits, including root length (+42.6%), root biomass (-35.2%) and leaf area. Oxidative stress increased in leaves in terms of HO accumulation (+47.4%) and lipid peroxidation (+22.2%). These findings underscore the detrimental impact of MNPs on basil growth. Further research is essential to elucidate MNPs uptake and translocation mechanisms, and to assess the potential risks of MNPs contamination for plant health and ecosystem integrity.
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Temporal and SizeDependent Uptake of Micro- and NanoPlastics in an Edible Plant
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Scientists grew basil plants in water containing tiny plastic particles (micro- and nanoplastics) to see if the plants would absorb them, and they did, with plastics building up in the roots and, in smaller amounts, moving up into the leaves people might eat. The smallest plastic particles were absorbed and moved through the plant most easily, and the plastics also appeared to carry along other chemicals from the water, hinting that produce grown in plastic-contaminated water or soil could be a route for these particles and hitchhiking chemicals to enter our food.
Micro- and nanoplastics in terrestrial plants: uptake, accumulation, and impacts on growth and physiology
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Tiny plastic particles from broken-down waste are building up in soil and getting absorbed by plants through their roots and leaves, according to this review of existing research. Once inside, these particles can stunt seed sprouting, weaken root growth, and interfere with photosynthesis (how plants make energy from sunlight), which matters because these are the same crops we eat. Since the plastic can travel from soil into plant tissue, this raises questions about how much may be passing into our food supply and, ultimately, into us.
Micro/Nanoplastics in Agriculture: Uptake, Translocation and Bioaccumulation in Plants and Their Ecological Implications
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Tiny plastic particles from pollution are building up in farm soils and getting absorbed by plants through their roots, then traveling up into the leaves, fruits, and other parts we eat. This review of existing research shows these plastics can interfere with how plants grow and take up nutrients, and their presence in edible crops raises real concerns about how much plastic might be ending up on our dinner plates. Scientists still need better, standardized tools to detect these particles and develop ways to keep them out of our food supply.
Nanoplastics are taken up by lettuce and barley under realistic soil condition
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Scientists found that tiny plastic particles called nanoplastics can be absorbed by lettuce and barley plants when grown in soil, even at low pollution levels similar to what's found in the environment. The plastic particles accumulated in the parts of the plants that people eat, showing a new way these pollutants could enter our food supply. While the amounts were small, this research reveals that nanoplastics from pollution can travel from soil into our crops, which could eventually affect human health.
Quantification of nanoplastic uptake and distribution in the root, stem and leaves of the edible herb Lepidum sativum
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Scientists confirmed that 100-nanometer polystyrene nanoplastics can be absorbed by the roots of the edible herb garden cress and travel up through the stem into the leaves. At high concentrations, the nanoplastics significantly reduced germination, plant weight, and root growth, though environmentally realistic levels did not cause visible harm. This finding raises food safety concerns because nanoplastics in agricultural soil could end up in the edible parts of plants that people consume.
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