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The hidden impacts of micro/nanoplastics on soil, crop and human health
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This review examines the chain of impacts from micro- and nanoplastics in soil through crop uptake to potential human health effects. Researchers found that these tiny particles can stick to plant roots, enter crop tissues, and carry toxic chemicals along with them. The study highlights that this soil-to-plate pathway is still poorly understood and calls for more research into how agricultural microplastic contamination may affect the food we eat.
This review examines the growing concerns surrounding the ubiquitous prevalence of micro/nanoplastic pollution and the possible dangers and consequences on the global environment. While the environmental effects have been extensively studied, the extent of potential human health hazards and effects remains largely unexplored. This overview aims to shed light on the connection between plastics, human well-being and environment to extend current knowledge on this subject. The review covers the status of global micro/nanoplastics pollution, and the risks they present to human health encompass harmful chemical elements, contaminant carriers, and physical harm. Several key findings emerged: (1) Microplastics in the soil adhered to crop seeds and root surfaces or accumulated within their vascular systems, leading to the obstruction of water and nutrient uptake; (2) micro/nanoplastics induce oxidative damage to plants disrupting their metabolic processes; (3) Chemical additives released from microplastics triggered cytotoxic and genotoxic effects in plants; (4) Microplastics altered the biotic and abiotic conditions of the soil, thereby affecting the availability of water and nutrients to crops; and finally, (5) The combined toxicity of different microplastics in soil can have adverse effects on plants. In conclusion, this review sheds light on the repercussions of soil microplastics on plants and advocates, for further research to better understand their impact on the natural environment and human well-being.
More Papers Like This
A Systematic Review on Emission, Accumulation, Mechanism, and Toxicity Perspective of Micro‐Nanoplastics in the Soil–Plant Nexus
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This systematic review examines how micro- and nanoplastics enter soil, accumulate in plants, and move through the soil-plant system. The research shows that microplastics alter soil properties, affect plant growth, and can be taken up by crop roots and transported to edible plant parts. This is a direct concern for human health because it means microplastics in agricultural soil may end up in the fruits and vegetables people consume.
From Soil to Table: Pathways, Influencing Factors, and Human Health Risks of Micro- and Nanoplastic Uptake by Plants in Terrestrial Ecosystems
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This review traces the pathways by which micro- and nanoplastics move from soil into food crops in terrestrial ecosystems. Researchers found that plants absorb these particles through roots and atmospheric deposition, with adverse effects on plant growth and development, raising concerns about food chain contamination and human health risks from consuming affected crops.
Micro (nano) plastic pollution: The ecological influence on soil-plant system and human health.
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This review examines how micro- and nanoplastics affect soil health, plant growth, and food quality, finding that these particles accumulate in plant root systems and can reduce crop yields and alter nutritional content. Since contaminated soil and water are increasingly delivering microplastics to food crops, these findings are directly relevant to agricultural food safety.
Pathways of micro- and nanoplastics transfer from plants to animals in the food chain
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This review pulls together what scientists currently know about tiny plastic particles moving from soil into plants, and potentially up the food chain to animals and humans. While plants can absorb these particles through their roots, researchers still aren't sure how much actually ends up on our plates or what it means for our health, more real-world studies are needed.
Nanoplastics and Microplastics in Agricultural Systems: Effects on Plants and Implications for Human Consumption
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This review summarizes existing research on how nanoplastics and microplastics enter agricultural soil through irrigation, plastic mulch, and sewage sludge, then accumulate in crops that people eat. The particles can also carry other harmful substances like pesticides and heavy metals into plants, raising concerns about long-term health effects from chronic dietary exposure.
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