Synergistic Responses of Molecular Processes and Chemical Defenses in Maize Under Biodegradable and Conventional Microplastic Disturbance

Dissecting Microplastics Stress: Impacts of Type, Size, and Dose on Nutrient Cycling, Growth, and Antioxidant Defense System in Maize Plant

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This study examined how polyester, polyethylene, and nylon microplastics across three size classes and doses affected maize growth, finding that polyethylene particles below 0.212 micrometers at 10 mg/L caused the greatest inhibition—reducing plant height by 30% and triggering antioxidant enzyme increases of over 120%. These agricultural impacts are directly relevant to human health because crop stress from microplastic contamination threatens food productivity and may alter the nutritional composition of staple foods.

Navigating microplastic-induced stress in plants: adaptations from physiology to gene regulation

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A bibliometric analysis of 84 studies (2017-2025) found that microplastic exposure in plants triggers stress pathway upregulation, reduces seed germination by up to 20%, disrupts nutrient uptake, and elevates antioxidant enzyme activity. These plant-level disruptions matter for human health because microplastic contamination of agricultural systems can degrade food quality, reduce crop yields, and create exposure pathways through the vegetables and grains people eat.

Arginine-Dependent Defense Actions in Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) Against Microplastic Contaminated Root Zone

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Rice plants exposed to high-density polyethylene and polystyrene microplastics suffered reduced growth, lower photosynthesis, and oxidative stress, but treating the root zone with the amino acid L-arginine partially reversed these harms. The finding matters because microplastic contamination of agricultural soils threatens crop yields, and natural compounds like L-arginine could offer low-cost ways to protect food production.

Advances in Physiological and Ecological Effects of Microplastic on Crop

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Researchers reviewed how microplastics accumulate in crops — entering through roots and leaves and reaching edible parts — and found they reduce germination, inhibit photosynthesis, and lower crop yields, raising concerns about plastic contamination in the food we eat.

Divergent defense strategies and phosphorus limitation underlie wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) responses to PVC microplastics and cadmium co-contamination