We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Effect of Microplastics on the Germination and Growth of Terrestrial Plants
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarized studies on the effects of microplastics on the germination and growth of terrestrial plants, finding generally negative effects at high concentrations including reduced germination rates and root length. Effects varied by plant species, polymer type, and particle size, and the review highlighted limited data from realistic field exposures.
Objectives : The human beings of our globe are heavily reliant on the use of plastic products on a daily basis. Microplastics (MPs) are tiny particles that are formed as a result of plastic degradation. MPs can be found in terrestrial environment, but previous studies focused on the effects of MPs on marine environment and there are less studies on the effects of MPs on terrestrial environment. In particular, there is still a relatively limited number of studies on the effects of MPs on terrestrial plants. Therefore, this review paper aims to examine previous studies on the effect of MPs on the germination and growth of terrestrial plants.Methods : This review summarized the previous findings on the effect of MPs on the germination and growth of terrestrial plants in order to identify the research gaps and trends on the effects of MPs on terrestrial plants.Results and Discussion : Previous studies on the effect of MPs on the germination and growth of terrestrial plants were reviewed and the observations were summarized to find the gaps in this field of research. Previous studies showed that MPs can change soil properties and these changes can be different depending on the shape and size of MPs. MPs can also release chemicals such as phthalates and heavy metals that might have toxic effects on terrestrial plants. Different forms, types, and sizes of MPs were used in previous studies to study the effects on seed germination and growth of different plants. Most studies reported that MPs have negative effects on seed germination and plant growth (e.g., biomass, chlorophyll contents). Smaller MPs tend to have more significant effects than larger MPs. The changes in the soil properties due to MPs can change microbial community structures and this, in turn, may affect the soil-plant interaction.Conclusion : This study summarizes what have been reported in the previous studies on the effect of MPs on seed germination and growth of terrestrial plants. MPs are likely to affect seed germination and plant growth negatively, and this will eventually lead to reduction in food production and food quality. Owing to the various types, forms, and sizes of MPs that could be present in the terrestrial environment as well as the chemicals that could be released from MPs, there is much to explore to better understand the effect of MPs on terrestrial plants and the underlying mechanisms of such effects.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics on the growth of plants and seed germination in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examined the effects of microplastics on plant growth and seed germination in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, finding that microplastic presence can affect plant development through multiple mechanisms depending on polymer type, concentration, and the composition of the growing medium.
Effects of Microplastics on Higher Plants: A Review
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how microplastics affect higher plants, covering impacts on seed germination, root growth, photosynthesis, and nutrient uptake, while highlighting the role of plastic type, size, and concentration in determining phytotoxicity.
Effects of nano- & microplastics on terrestrial plants are ubiquitous and widespread: a systematic review
AI summary Read the abstract
This systematic review finds that nano- and microplastics have widespread negative effects on plants, including reduced germination, stunted growth, and biochemical stress responses. Since plants form the base of our food supply, these findings suggest that microplastic contamination in agricultural soils could affect crop health and potentially the quality of food we eat.
Review of the toxic effect of microplastics on terrestrial and aquatic plants
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes research on how microplastics affect both terrestrial and aquatic plants, finding that their toxicity depends on the type, size, and surface chemistry of the plastic particles. Researchers found that seeds and root systems are particularly vulnerable to microplastic exposure, and that the harmful effects differ between land and water plants. The study also highlights that chemicals released from or adsorbed onto microplastics pose additional secondary risks to plant health.
Recent advances on microplastics/nanoplastics interaction with plant species: A concise review
AI summary Read the abstract
This review synthesizes research on how microplastics and nanoplastics interact with plants, finding that plastic particles in soil can interfere with root uptake, germination, and crop yields depending on the type and concentration of plastic present. The findings are particularly relevant to human health because food crops grown in microplastic-contaminated agricultural soils may absorb or accumulate plastic particles, creating a direct dietary exposure route.
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.