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A critical review on microplastics in edible fruits and vegetables: A threat to human health
Summary
This review examines the growing evidence that microplastics are present in edible fruits and vegetables, having been taken up from contaminated soils and irrigation water. Researchers found that agricultural practices like plastic mulching and the use of treated wastewater for irrigation are major contributors to crop contamination. The study raises concerns about dietary microplastic exposure through plant-based foods, which have received less attention than seafood in pollution research.
Microplastics (MPs), ubiquitous pollutants in the environment, have raised concerns about their potential impact on human health. This abstract examines the presence of MPs in edible fruits and vegetables and their potential health implications. Studies have revealed the widespread contamination of agricultural soils and water sources with MPs, leading to uptake by plants. Factors such as irrigation with contaminated water, plastic mulching, and atmospheric deposition contribute to the accumulation of MPs in crops. Once ingested, MPs can release toxic chemicals and act as vectors for harmful pathogens. Human exposure to MPs through the consumption of contaminated fruits and vegetables raises concerns about the long-term health effects including inflammation, oxidative stress, and potential carcinogenicity. Furthermore, the small size of MPs enables their translocation within the human body, potentially reaching vital organs and causing systemic damage. Mitigation strategies such as improved waste management, alternative agricultural practices, and stricter regulations are essential to minimize the threat of microplastic (MP) contamination in the food chain and safeguard human health.