0
Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Environmental Sources Food & Water Policy & Risk Sign in to save

Airborne microplastics in leaves and food safety risks

Refubium (Universitätsbibliothek der Freien Universität Berlin) 2025
Ishfaq, Muhammad, Shakoor, Noman, Rillig, Matthias C., Geilfus, Christoph-Martin

Summary

Researchers provided evidence that airborne microplastics are deposited on and taken up by plant leaves, highlighting an important and underappreciated pathway of terrestrial plastic pollution and raising food safety concerns about the accumulation of airborne MPs on edible vegetation.

Global plastic production has surged. Li et al. provide evidence of an important aspect of terrestrial plastic pollution, highlighting leaf absorption of airborne plastics as a major route into plants. Their work underscores the need for urgent action to reduce plastic emissions and re-evaluate agricultural and food safety frameworks.

Share this paper