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Microplastic contamination of bryophytes: A review on mechanisms and impacts
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This systematic review of 11 studies found that microplastics and nanoplastics interact with bryophytes through adsorption and internalization, potentially disrupting ecosystem functions including nutrient cycling, soil formation, and water balance. Bryophytes — often used as bioindicators — may reveal the extent of plastic pollution in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems.
This systematic review investigates the interactions of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) with bryophytes, incorporating findings from 11 articles identified through a comprehensive database search using a combination of keywords. The review explores mechanisms such as adsorption and internalization by which MPs and NPs are present in bryophytes and examines the ecological ramifications, including changes in bryophyte community structure and impacts on ecosystem functions such as nutrient cycling, soil formation, habitat provision, water balance, and erosion control. Despite providing valuable insights, this review highlights several critical knowledge gaps that warrant further investigation. Future research should address the following areas: the long-term effects of MPs and NPs on bryophyte health and survival, the mechanisms of MP and NP uptake and translocation within bryophytes, and the broader ecological consequences of plastic pollution on bryophyte-dominated ecosystems. Additionally, studies should explore the effectiveness of various mitigation and management strategies, including advanced waste management techniques and innovative technologies, in reducing plastic pollution and protecting these vital ecosystems.
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This review summarizes research on how micro- and nanoplastics interact with terrestrial plants and aquatic macrophytes, finding that many species can absorb or take up plastic particles. Both short-term and long-term plastic exposure triggered stress responses in plants, and since plants are at the base of food chains and a major part of the human diet, there is concern about plastics moving up through the food web. The findings suggest that plastic pollution could potentially affect plant productivity and broader ecosystem function.
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Researchers found that Sphagnum moss intercepts nearly 90% of nanoplastics via its porous leaf microstructure and intracellular uptake pathways, with surface chemistry of particles determining accumulation sites — and at environmentally relevant concentrations below 1 µg/mL, the ecological function of the moss was largely unaffected.
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This review provides a broad overview of how microplastics affect different forms of life, from soil organisms and plants to aquatic species and humans. Researchers found that the primary harmful mechanisms involve oxidative stress, immune disruption, and interference with nutrient uptake and photosynthesis. The study also covers various removal methods including coagulation, membrane filtration, and biological degradation approaches.
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A meta-analysis of 1,071 observations found that nanoplastics cause more severe cell membrane damage than microplastics, while microplastics more strongly inhibit photosynthesis in freshwater microalgae. Among polymer types, polyamide caused the highest growth inhibition, polystyrene induced the most toxin release, and diatoms were the most sensitive algal group while cyanobacteria showed exceptional resilience.
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