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Influence of polystyrene nanoplastics on the uptake and distribution of potentially toxic elements in tomato plants investigated using isotopic tracers
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Scientists grew tomato plants in water containing tiny plastic particles (nanoplastics) along with common contaminants like chromium, cadmium, lead, and zinc to see how the plastics affect what ends up in your food. They found that nanoplastics mostly stayed in the roots rather than traveling up to the fruit, and while they didn't change cadmium or zinc uptake, they actually reduced how much chromium and lead the plants absorbed. The bigger concern: tomatoes naturally accumulated notable levels of cadmium regardless of plastic exposure, which could pose health risks, especially for children, if ea
This study evaluated the impact of 200 nm polystyrene (PS) nanoplastics (NPs) on the uptake and distribution of potentially toxic elements (PTEs), including chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn), in hydroponically grown tomato plants. To distinguish naturally occurring PTEs from those taken up by the plants from nutrient solutions, enriched isotopic tracers were used, while europium (Eu)-labelled PS NPs enabled following the presence of NPs in plant tissues via ICP-MS analysis. After accounting for Eu leaching, intact PS-Eu NP concentrations were highest in roots and decreased by approximately three-orders-of-magnitude in shoots. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of internalized particles with size and morphology similar to PS–Eu NPs in roots; however, significant Eu leaching under acidic biological conditions during long-term exposure limited verification of NP translocation to shoots, particularly fruits. PS–Eu NPs did not significantly affect Cd and Zn uptake, but reduced Cr and Pb uptake and translocation in tomato, most likely due to their increased association with NPs, resulting in their reduced bioavailability due to NPs agglomeration and sedimentation. The influence of NPs on other macro- and naturally occurring trace elements was element-specific, indicating broader effects on plant nutritional composition and fruit safety. We showed that elevated Cd accumulation in tomato fruits, irrespective of NP presence, poses health risks under chronic consumption, especially for children. These findings highlight the importance of regulating NP and PTE concentrations in water used for plant irrigation and monitoring their accumulation in edible plant tissues to ensure food safety.
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Uptake and translocation of nanoplastics in mono and dicot vegetables
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Scientists exposed four different vegetable crops to fluorescent nanoplastics and tracked where the particles ended up in the plants. Nanoplastics were absorbed through the roots and transported to the stems and leaves of all plants tested, including tomatoes, radishes, and leafy greens. This confirms that food crops can take up nanoplastics from contaminated soil and deliver them to the parts of the plant that people eat.
Effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on tomato plant growth, fruit yield and quality
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Researchers investigated how polystyrene nanoplastics affect tomato plant growth and fruit quality, finding that exposure reduced seedling biomass, impaired photosynthesis, and triggered oxidative stress. At higher concentrations, the nanoplastics inhibited mineral uptake and diminished fruit yield along with nutritional quality markers like vitamin C and lycopene. The study highlights that nanoplastic contamination in agricultural soils could pose a meaningful threat to food crop productivity and nutritional value.
Visual Trackingand Quantitative Analysis of PolystyreneNanoplastics Uptake and Transport across Various Tomato Varieties
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Researchers tracked uptake and transport of polystyrene nanoplastics across six tomato cultivars, finding significant varietal differences in accumulation and growth inhibition, with Heinz 1706 being most resistant (13% inhibition) and Moneymaker most sensitive (32% inhibition). Nanoplastics accumulated preferentially in roots and near the xylem in stems and leaves, with shoot concentrations substantially lower than root concentrations.
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.
Visual Tracking and Quantitative Analysis of Polystyrene Nanoplastics Uptake and Transport across Various Tomato Varieties
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Researchers tracked the uptake and transport of polystyrene nanoplastics across six tomato cultivars, finding significant varietal differences in accumulation and growth inhibition, with Heinz 1706 being most resistant (13% inhibition) and Moneymaker most sensitive (32% inhibition). Nanoplastics accumulated preferentially in roots and near the xylem in stems and leaves, with shoot concentrations substantially lower than root concentrations.
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