Selenium as a protective agent against combined microplastic pollution and drought stress in highland barley

Enhancing maize resilience to microplastics and cadmium through nanoparticles intervention

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Microplastics and cadmium (a toxic heavy metal) in soil can stunt corn plant growth and stress the plants at a cellular level, which matters because contaminated crops can pass these pollutants up the food chain to people. Researchers found that adding titanium dioxide nanoparticles to the soil helped corn seedlings grow better and absorb less cadmium, suggesting a possible way to make food crops more resilient in polluted farmland. This is early-stage research done on seedlings, so more testing is needed before this approach could be used on real farms.

Alleviating Microplastic and Cadmium Stress in Rice (Oryza sativa L.), Role of Molybdenum Disulfide, Zinc Oxide, and Selenium–Nanoparticles in Morpho–Physio–Biochemical Traits

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Researchers tested whether molybdenum disulfide, zinc oxide, and selenium nanoparticles could protect rice seedlings from combined microplastic and cadmium stress, finding that all three nanoparticle types significantly improved plant growth, photosynthesis, and antioxidant defenses while reducing oxidative damage caused by the dual contaminant exposure.

Advances in Physiological and Ecological Effects of Microplastic on Crop

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Researchers reviewed how microplastics accumulate in crops — entering through roots and leaves and reaching edible parts — and found they reduce germination, inhibit photosynthesis, and lower crop yields, raising concerns about plastic contamination in the food we eat.

Impact of Microplastics on Soil Resilience Under Drought Stress: A Comprehensive Review of Mechanisms, Interactions, and Management Strategies

Dissecting Microplastics Stress: Impacts of Type, Size, and Dose on Nutrient Cycling, Growth, and Antioxidant Defense System in Maize Plant

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This study examined how polyester, polyethylene, and nylon microplastics across three size classes and doses affected maize growth, finding that polyethylene particles below 0.212 micrometers at 10 mg/L caused the greatest inhibition—reducing plant height by 30% and triggering antioxidant enzyme increases of over 120%. These agricultural impacts are directly relevant to human health because crop stress from microplastic contamination threatens food productivity and may alter the nutritional composition of staple foods.