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Accumulation of Microplastics and Potentially Toxic Elements in Plant Leaves Along an Urbanization Gradient in Bangladesh
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Researchers analyzed plant leaves along an urbanization gradient in Bangladesh and found that both microplastics and toxic metals like cadmium, lead, and zinc accumulated on leaf surfaces, with the highest levels near industrial areas. Only PET (polyethylene terephthalate) microplastics were detected, and their concentration correlated with industrial activity. The study shows that airborne microplastics and heavy metals co-accumulate on food-related vegetation, creating a potential pathway for human exposure through contaminated produce.
Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and microplastics (MPs) in the atmosphere raise widespread apprehension due to their association with the ecosystem and public health. The accumulation of airborne MPs and PTEs was analyzed in Polyalthia longifolia leaves, and the Pollution Index (PI) was calculated along an industrial, residential, and rural gradient in Bangladesh. Only polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was found in the highest concentration in industrial areas compared to other areas. In leaves, a significantly higher Cd, Pb, and Zn concentration was found in industrial regions compared to residential and rural areas. For Cd, the PI was observed to be higher than 1 in rural areas, indicating a moderate level of pollution; it was higher than 3 in residential areas, showing considerable pollution; and it was found to be more than 6 in industrial areas. The higher concentration of both MPs and PTEs with increasing urbanization reflects the influence of anthropogenic activities. The findings of the study demonstrate the fascinating potential of P. longifolia tree leaves as a promising bioindicator for air quality biomonitoring.
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Researchers provided the first comprehensive assessment of both surface-adhered and internalized microplastics in eleven leafy vegetable species from Bangladeshi urban and rural agroecosystems. They found MPs in all vegetable types studied, with higher surface contamination in urban areas, and estimated daily human exposure through vegetable consumption.
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Researchers surveyed microplastic deposition on leaves of 15 urban tree species across 44 sites in Lahore, Pakistan, finding that hairy leaf surfaces captured the most particles (up to 9.23 particles/cm²) and that microplastic concentrations declined with canopy height, with PET fibers comprising 61% of all detected polymers.
Airborne microplastics in leaves and food safety risks
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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.
Leaf absorption contributes to accumulation of microplastics in plants
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Researchers found that plant leaves can absorb tiny plastic particles directly from the air, not just through the roots. Leafy vegetables grown outdoors in polluted areas contained measurable amounts of common plastics like PET and polystyrene. This means airborne microplastics may be entering our food supply through the plants we eat.
Airborne microplastics in leaves and food safety risks
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Researchers highlighted evidence that airborne microplastics can be absorbed through plant leaves, representing a significant but underappreciated route of plastic contamination in terrestrial food systems. The study underscores the need for urgent action to reduce plastic emissions and re-evaluate agricultural and food safety frameworks.
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