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Impact of microplastic particle size on physiological and biochemical properties and rhizosphere metabolism of Zea mays L.: Comparison in different soil types
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Researchers found that smaller microplastics caused more harm to corn plant growth than larger ones, and that soil type affected how toxic the microplastics were. The microplastics disrupted root metabolism and weakened the plants' ability to produce lignin, a structural compound important for healthy roots. This matters for food safety because microplastic contamination in farm soil could reduce crop yields and potentially affect the nutritional quality of food.
The effect of microplastics (MPs) on plant growth has received increasing attention. However, whether soil texture and MPs size influence the toxicological effects of MPs on plants is unknown. To address this knowledge gap, two soils with different physical structures (lime concretion black and silty loam soils) were selected to explore the potential toxicity of MPs of different particle sizes to maize growth. The results showed that, in both soils, the harm caused by small MPs on maize growth was greater than that caused by large MPs. Low MPs concentrations had no significant effect on maize growth between two soil types; however, when exposed to a concentration of 1 % large MPs, the dry biomass of maize was promoted in lime concretion black soil but inhibited in silty loam soil. All MPs-exposed treatments resulted in a high level of superoxide anions in maize roots, resulting in an increase in the root aerenchyma area and reducing the metabolic activity of maize roots. Metabolomics showed that MPs exposure affected multiple amino acid metabolic pathways, including phenylalanine and tyrosine metabolism, and inhibited lignin biosynthesis in roots. This study provides a theoretical basis for a more comprehensive assessment of the effect of MPs pollution on agricultural production.
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Influence of soil microplastic contamination on maize (Zea mays) development and microbial dynamics
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Researchers grew maize (corn) in soil contaminated with varying amounts of microplastics and found that higher microplastic levels disrupted soil bacteria and fungi, caused leaf damage like yellowing and tissue death, and led to elevated heavy metals in plant tissue above safe limits. The results point to serious risks microplastics pose to crop health, soil ecosystems, and food safety.
Microplastic Contamination Alters Soil Hydraulic Properties and Inhibits Maize Growth: A Factorial Assessment Across Contrasting Soil Textures.
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Tiny plastic bits (microplastics) from things like plastic waste breakdown are building up in farm soil, and this study found they can mess with how well soil holds and moves water — which affects how crops like corn grow, especially in denser, clay-heavy soils. This matters because if microplastic pollution is quietly reducing crop growth in certain soil types, it could impact food supply over time, and the corn plants themselves may be absorbing these plastics as they grow. More research is needed to know exactly how this affects the food we eventually eat, but it's a reminder that plastic pollution's reach extends into our food system, not just oceans and
Effects of Polyethylene Microplastics on Seed Germination, Seedling Growth, and Physiological Characteristics of Maize
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Scientists found that tiny plastic particles (from everyday plastic waste breaking down in soil) can harm corn plants, reducing seed sprouting, stunting growth, and damaging the plant's cells, especially at higher plastic concentrations. This matters because corn is a staple crop worldwide, and if microplastics are building up in farm soils, it could mean lower harvests and less nutritious food down the line, plus it raises questions about whether these plastic particles are also making their way into the food we eat.
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.
Impact of Microplastics on the Growth and Physiological Response in Zea mays and Sorghum bicolor
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Scientists found that tiny plastic particles in soil harm corn and sorghum plants by stunting their growth and damaging their ability to make food through photosynthesis. The study showed that some plastics like PVC (found in pipes and packaging) were more toxic to plants than others, and higher amounts of plastic caused more damage. This matters because these plastic particles are building up in farm soils where our food is grown, which could affect crop production and potentially the safety of our food supply.
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