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Microplastic effects on plants
Summary
This perspective paper proposed mechanistic pathways through which microplastics could affect plant growth positively or negatively, including effects on soil structure, water availability, nutrient cycling, and root-microbe interactions. The authors argue that plant species and plastic type will determine the direction of effects, and call for dedicated research to fill a major gap in terrestrial microplastic science.
Microplastic effects in terrestrial ecosystems have recently moved into focus, after about a decade of research being limited to aquatic systems. While effects on soil physical properties and soil biota are starting to become apparent, there is not much information on the consequences for plant performance. We here propose and discuss mechanistic pathways through which microplastics could impact plant growth, either positively or negatively. These effects will vary as a function of plant species, and plastic type, and thus are likely to translate to changes in plant community composition and perhaps primary production. Our mechanistic framework serves to guide ongoing and future research on this important topic.