We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Tracing surface-adhered and internalized microplastics in leafy vegetables across urban and rural agroecosystems: Occurrence, characteristics, pollution indices, and exposure assessment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers provided the first comprehensive assessment of both surface-adhered and internalized microplastics in eleven leafy vegetable species from Bangladeshi urban and rural agroecosystems. They found MPs in all vegetable types studied, with higher surface contamination in urban areas, and estimated daily human exposure through vegetable consumption.
This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of surface-adhered and internalized microplastics (MPs) in eleven commonly consumed leafy vegetables from urban and rural agroecosystems in Bangladesh. We aimed to systematically investigate the occurrence, characteristics, and human exposure risks of surface-adhered and internalized MPs in these leafy vegetables. Surface MPs were removed via a triple-step protocol of soaking, ultrasonication, and sieving, while internal MPs recovered through Wet Peroxide Oxidation (WPO) and density separation. Polymer composition was determined using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Total MPs abundance ranged from 0.69 to 10.52 MPs/cm² (mean 3.96 ± 2.58), with urban samples (0.92-10.52 MPs/cm²) significantly exceeding rural levels (0.69-6.96 MPs/cm²; ANOVA: p < 0.05). Washing removed 54-91 % of surface MPs, yet internal MPs persisted at 0.22-3.44 MPs/cm² (mean 1.29 ± 0.99). Fibers dominated the identified MPs (>88 %), which were primarily composed of polyethylene (50-53 %) and polypropylene (23-25 %). Multivariate analyses indicated rural contamination originated from agricultural plastics (e.g., mulch films), while urban sources included textiles and packaging. Pollution load indices indicated extreme contamination (Total MPs: 171.65-774.83, Internal MPs: 95.38-463.54), whereas polymer hazard indices suggested a moderate hazard level (Total MPs: 12.37-24.96, Internal MPs: 7.16-33.55). The estimated daily intake for adults (Total MPs: 4.86-106.71, Internal MPs: 1.86-39.38MPs/kg/day) and children (Total MPs: 7.20-158.11, Internal MPs: 2.76-58.35MPs/kg/day) exceeded values reported for other foods. These findings demonstrate that leafy vegetables are significant vectors for human MP exposure, underscoring an urgent need for improved agroecosystem management and enhanced food safety monitoring.
More Papers Like This
Accumulation of Microplastics and Potentially Toxic Elements in Plant Leaves Along an Urbanization Gradient in Bangladesh
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed plant leaves along an urbanization gradient in Bangladesh and found that both microplastics and toxic metals like cadmium, lead, and zinc accumulated on leaf surfaces, with the highest levels near industrial areas. Only PET (polyethylene terephthalate) microplastics were detected, and their concentration correlated with industrial activity. The study shows that airborne microplastics and heavy metals co-accumulate on food-related vegetation, creating a potential pathway for human exposure through contaminated produce.
Is our food safe? Microplastic occurrence and characteristics in vegetables cultivated in the vicinity of a municipal solid waste dumping ground—insights from Kolkata, India
AI summary Read the abstract
This Indian study investigated microplastic contamination in vegetables grown near a municipal waste dumping ground in Kolkata, finding MPs in all eleven vegetable types sampled. Leafy vegetables near the dump site had higher MP levels, raising food safety concerns for populations relying on locally grown produce.
Evidence of microplastic accumulation on the surface of lettuce and analysis of contamination sources
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found microplastics on the surface of lettuce grown in real agricultural conditions and traced the contamination to both airborne particles and pesticide sprays. The pesticide application process was identified as a significant but previously overlooked source of microplastics on vegetable surfaces. This study is relevant to human health because it shows that even washed fresh produce may carry microplastics from multiple sources during the growing process.
Micro and nano plastics in fruits and vegetables: A review.
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examined how microplastics contaminate fruits and vegetables through root uptake, surface adhesion, and irrigation water, covering analytical methods for detection and highlighting the role of plants as an underappreciated entry point for plastics into the human food chain.
A critical review on microplastics in edible fruits and vegetables: A threat to human health
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines the growing evidence that microplastics are present in edible fruits and vegetables, having been taken up from contaminated soils and irrigation water. Researchers found that agricultural practices like plastic mulching and the use of treated wastewater for irrigation are major contributors to crop contamination. The study raises concerns about dietary microplastic exposure through plant-based foods, which have received less attention than seafood in pollution research.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.