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Accumulation of nanoplastics by wheat seedling roots: Both passive and energy-consuming processes
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This study investigated how wheat seedling roots absorb and transport polystyrene and PVC nanoplastics, finding that uptake occurred through both passive (energy-independent) and active (energy-consuming) processes. Root uptake efficiency varied by particle type and size, with implications for nanoplastic entry into the food chain via crop plants.
Nanoplastics can transfer from the environment to plants and potentially harm organisms. However, the mechanisms on how crop root systems absorb and transport nanoplastics are still unclear. Here, original and fluorescent labeled polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride nanoparticles (PS-NPs, PVC-NPs; 30 nm; 10 mg L) were employed to study the distribution and internalization pathways in wheat seedling roots. In the study, nanoplastics accumulated more in the root tip and surface, with PVC-NPs more prevalent than PS-NPs. After being treated with inhibitors (NaVO, chlorpromazine and amiloride), the nanoplastics mean fluorescence intensities were reduced by 4.0-51.1 %. During the uptake, both passive and energy-consuming pathways occurred. For the energy-consuming uptake pathway, macropinocytosis contributed more to cytoplasm than clathrin-mediated endocytosis. H influx was observed during nanoplastic transport into the cytoplasm, and the reduction in plasma membrane ATPase activity led to a decrease in nanoplastic internalization. These results elucidate the pathways of nanoplastics absorption and transport in wheat roots, provide crucial evidence for assessing nanoplastics' ecological risks and support the development of technologies to block nanoplastics absorption by crop roots, ensuring agricultural and ecosystem safety.
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Uptake and translocation of polystyrene nanoplastics in edible plants via root and foliar exposure: A qualitative imaging-based study
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Researchers examined the uptake and movement of polystyrene nanoplastics in lettuce, carrot, and wheat following root and foliar exposure using confocal and electron microscopy. The study found that nanoplastics were internalized in root, stem, and leaf tissues of all three species, with lettuce showing the most extensive systemic transport including bidirectional movement, raising potential concerns for human exposure through crop consumption.
Uptake of polystyrene nanospheres by wheat and Arabidopsis roots in agar, hydroponics, and soil
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Researchers studied the uptake of polystyrene nanoplastic particles by wheat and Arabidopsis roots across three growing systems: agar, hydroponics, and soil. The study found that plant roots can absorb nanoplastic particles, raising concerns about food chain contamination. The findings suggest that nanoplastics in agricultural soils may enter food crops and ultimately reach human consumers.
Polystyrene nano- and microplastic accumulation at Arabidopsis and wheat root cap cells, but no evidence for uptake into roots
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Researchers investigated whether polystyrene nano- and microplastics can be taken up by the roots of Arabidopsis and wheat plants. They found that plastic particles accumulated at root cap cells on the outer surface of roots but found no evidence that the particles were actually taken up into root tissues. The study suggests that while plastic particles associate with plant roots, they may not easily enter the plant itself through this pathway.
Uptake and transport of micro/nanoplastics in terrestrial plants: Detection, mechanisms, and influencing factors
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This review summarizes how micro and nanoplastics enter and move through plants, including uptake through roots and leaves via processes like endocytosis and movement through cell walls. Smaller particles penetrate more easily, and factors like surface charge and soil conditions affect how much plastic plants absorb. The findings are important because they show that crops can take up microplastics from contaminated soil, creating a potential pathway for these particles to reach the human diet.
Assessing implications of nanoplastics exposure to plants with advanced nanometrology techniques
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Researchers exposed wheat plants to palladium-doped nanoplastics in hydroponic conditions and used advanced imaging techniques to track their uptake. They found that nanoplastics accumulated on root surfaces and were taken up into root tissues, with some translocation to the shoots. The study provides quantitative evidence that nanoplastics can enter the food chain through plant uptake from contaminated growing environments.
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