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Mechanistic insights into the effects of micro- and nano-plastics on cherry radish physiology and organic compound distribution at the soil-root interface.
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Researchers exposed cherry radish to polyethylene microplastics (2 µm) and nanoplastics (200 nm) at varying concentrations and measured effects on plant physiology and organic compound distribution at the soil-root interface. Smaller nanoplastic particles caused greater disruption to root exudate chemistry and plant metabolism than the larger microplastics, pointing to a size-dependent toxicity mechanism.
Plastics are extensively applied in agricultural production, and exposure of crops to micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) can markedly affect crop health. However, current understanding of the effects of particle size and concentration on the physiological and biochemical responses of plants remains limited. In this study, the effects of polyethylene micro-plastics (2 μm) and nano-plastics (200 nm) at varying concentrations in cherry radish were investigated. Plant biomass, physiological and biochemical responses, and the microspatial distribution and transport behavior of organic components at the soil-root interface were evaluated. The results demonstrated that high concentrations (150 mg/kg) of both micro- and nano-sized plastic particles significantly inhibited plant growth and photosynthetic performance, including reductions in chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate, and stomatal conductance. Notably, stress resistance indicators, such as soluble protein and soluble sugar, were affected, particularly at higher concentrations. SEM analysis directly verified the attachment of micro-plastic particles to root surfaces, whereas nano-particles were capable of penetrating root tissues. Synchrotron radiation-based FTIR imaging enabled in situ visualization of functional group distributions within the soil-root microenvironment, and semi-quantitative analysis further revealed a significant increase in carboxylic functional groups under nanoscale plastic exposure. This study also proposed a novel strategy to characterize the distribution and interactions of organic components within plant roots under MNP-induced stress. Overall, these findings offer new insights into the biological impacts and translocation potential of MNPs in crops, emphasizing their potential risks to agricultural production.
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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.
The short-term effect of microplastics in lettuce involves size- and dose-dependent coordinate shaping of root metabolome, exudation profile and rhizomicrobiome
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Researchers exposed lettuce plants to polyethylene plastic particles of four different sizes and concentrations, finding that the plastics altered root chemistry, changed what the roots released into the soil, and shifted the bacteria living around them. The effects depended strongly on particle size, with smaller particles causing different metabolic changes than larger ones. This study shows that microplastics in farm soil can change the biology of food crops from the roots up, potentially affecting both crop health and nutritional quality.
Mechanistic insights into the size-dependent bioaccumulation and phytotoxicity of polyethylene microplastics in tomato seedlings
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Researchers investigated how polyethylene microplastics of different sizes affect tomato seedlings and found that the smallest particles (1-50 micrometers) caused the most severe damage, reducing shoot weight by 42.3% and root length by 55.1%. The study revealed that microplastic uptake and toxicity are strongly size-dependent, with smaller particles more easily absorbed and translocated through plant tissues, triggering significant oxidative stress.
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.
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