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Occurrence and distribution of micro/nanoplastics in soils and their phytotoxic effects: A review
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This review examined how micro- and nanoplastics distribute across different soil types and get taken up by plant roots, finding that smaller, spherical particles are absorbed more easily. Researchers found that these plastic particles accumulate in plants and trigger oxidative stress, which disrupts gene expression and metabolic pathways important for plant growth and biomass production.
Some recent studies have reviewed the occurrence and phytotoxicity of micro/nanoplastics, but their distribution in the soil environment, mechanisms of uptake by roots and the mode of action are unclear. Thus, this review comprehensively represents the relative abundance of micro/nanoplastics in different soil types and their toxicities in plants with insights into their partitioning to different soil matrices, uptake mechanisms, and the mode of action. Partitioning of micro/nanoplastics to different soil matrices (like-soil particles, naturally occurring soil organic matters, pore waters and soil fauna) could modify their bioavailability to plants. The small micro/nanoplastic particles can be taken up by roots through the apoplastic and symplastic pathways. In this regard, cellular endocytosis and aquaporin might play a significant role. The shape of the polymers can also regulate their uptake, and the polymers with spherical shapes are more easily absorbed by roots than the polymers with other shapes. Bioaccumulation of micro/nanoplastic induces oxidative stress, which, in turn, causes alterations of gene expressions and different metabolic pathways responsible for plant growth, biomass production and synthesis of secondary metabolites.
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Effects of micro(nano)plastics on higher plants and the rhizosphere environment
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This review examines how micro- and nanoplastics affect higher plants and the soil environment around their roots. Researchers found that these particles can be absorbed through roots and transported to other plant tissues, causing oxidative stress and disrupting photosynthesis, metabolism, and gene expression. The study highlights that plastic pollution in soil threatens not only plant health but also the broader rhizosphere ecosystem that supports agriculture.
Microplastic/nanoplastic toxicity in plants: an imminent concern
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This review examines the growing body of research on how microplastics and nanoplastics affect terrestrial plants, from root uptake to changes in growth and gene expression. Researchers found that these particles can alter plant physiology and biochemistry at varying degrees depending on particle size and concentration. The study calls for more research on how plastic contamination in soil may ultimately affect food crop quality and human health through the food chain.
Micro- and nanoplastics in terrestrial plants: uptake, accumulation, and impacts on growth and physiology
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Tiny plastic particles from broken-down waste are building up in soil and getting absorbed by plants through their roots and leaves, according to this review of existing research. Once inside, these particles can stunt seed sprouting, weaken root growth, and interfere with photosynthesis (how plants make energy from sunlight), which matters because these are the same crops we eat. Since the plastic can travel from soil into plant tissue, this raises questions about how much may be passing into our food supply and, ultimately, into us.
Impacts of Micro/Nanoplastics on Crop Physiology and Soil Ecosystems: A Review
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This review synthesized evidence on how micro- and nanoplastics affect crop physiology and soil ecosystems, covering how plastic particles enter plants via roots, disrupt soil microbiota, and impair crop growth through oxidative stress, nutrient cycling disruption, and physical root interference. The authors found that nanoplastics pose greater plant risks than microplastics due to their ability to cross cell membranes.
Microplastics and nanoplastics in the soil-plant nexus: Sources, uptake, and toxicity
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This review examines how microplastics and nanoplastics accumulate in agricultural soils from plastic products and affect the soil-plant system. Researchers found that nanoplastics can be taken up by plant roots, cause oxidative stress, and negatively affect crop growth. The findings raise concerns about food safety since these particles may carry co-contaminants into the food chain.
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