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Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Sign in to save

Plastic and plants

Nature Sustainability 2020 57 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count.
Matthias C. Rillig

Summary

Researchers identified a mechanism by which nanoplastics can physically enter plant roots, raising concerns that plastic particles from polluted soil could travel up through crops and onto our plates — a potential new route of human exposure to plastic contamination.

Reports on the widespread presence of plastic particles in the environment have raised concerns about whether these particles could be taken up by plants and end up on our plates. An experimental study now reveals a mechanism through which nanoplastics can make their way into plant roots.

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