Advancing Plant Resilience Against Microplastics and Metals Through Nanotechnology

As global pollution escalates, plants increasingly encounter microplastic and metal contaminants in their habitats, posing severe challenges to their growth, physiology, and overall health. This review delves into the transformative potential of nanotechnology in bolstering plant resilience against such pollutants. Nanoparticles, with their unique properties, present promising strategies to protect plants from microplastic-induced physical obstruction and chemical toxicity, as well as from heavy metal stress. In the backdrop of mounting environmental stressors, nanoparticles can play a pivotal role in enhancing the uptake, sequestration, and detoxification processes in plants. By understanding the intricate mechanisms through which nanoparticles act, researchers can potentially develop targeted applications to mitigate the detrimental effects of microplastics and heavy metals. This exploration not only brings to the fore the immediate benefits of using nanoparticles but also underlines the need for a comprehensive assessment of their environmental impact to ensure sustainable applications in the future.