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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Plastic is in the air: Impact of micro-nanoplastics from airborne pollution on Tillandsia usneoides (L.) L. (Bromeliaceae) as a possible green sensor
ClearUnraveling the toxic mechanisms of microplastics in aquatic ecosystem: A case study on Vallisneria natans and Myriophyllum verticillatum
Researchers exposed two submerged aquatic plant species (Vallisneria natans and Myriophyllum verticillatum) to PVC, polystyrene, and polyethylene microplastics at three concentrations, finding that all three types significantly inhibited photosynthesis and growth and triggered oxidative stress, with effects varying by plastic type and plant species.
Comparison of microplastic type, size, and composition in atmospheric and foliage samples in an urban scenario
Researchers compared microplastic contamination in outdoor air deposits and on plant leaf surfaces in an urban area and found that both sampling methods detected similar types and sizes of microplastic particles. Fibers were the most common shape found, and polyester and polyethylene were among the most frequently identified polymers. The study suggests that plant foliage could serve as a practical biomonitor for tracking airborne microplastic pollution in cities.
Adsorption, uptake and toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics: Effects on terrestrial plants and aquatic macrophytes
This review summarizes research on how micro- and nanoplastics interact with terrestrial plants and aquatic macrophytes, finding that many species can absorb or take up plastic particles. Both short-term and long-term plastic exposure triggered stress responses in plants, and since plants are at the base of food chains and a major part of the human diet, there is concern about plastics moving up through the food web. The findings suggest that plastic pollution could potentially affect plant productivity and broader ecosystem function.
A comprehensive review of micro- and nano-plastics in the atmosphere: Occurrence, fate, toxicity, and strategies for risk reduction.
This review examines a decade of research on micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) in the atmosphere, covering their occurrence in outdoor and indoor air, toxicological effects on human health, and strategies to reduce exposure risk from inhalation of airborne plastic particles.
Nano- and microplastics commonly cause adverse impacts on plants at environmentally relevant levels: A systematic review
Systematic review of 78 studies found that nano- and microplastics commonly cause adverse effects on plants even at environmentally relevant concentrations, with germination and root growth more strongly affected than shoot growth during early development. Chlorophyll levels were consistently reduced while stress indicators (ROS) and antioxidant enzymes were consistently upregulated across species.
Microplastic/nanoplastic toxicity in plants: an imminent concern
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.
Mangrove plants are promising bioindicator of coastal atmospheric microplastics pollution
Researchers found that mangrove leaves accumulate airborne microplastics from the atmosphere, with different species collecting different amounts and types. The study proposes using mangrove plants as natural indicators to monitor atmospheric microplastic pollution in coastal areas. This matters because airborne microplastics are a pathway for human exposure through breathing, and understanding where they accumulate helps track how much is in the air people live near.
Unraveling the impact of nano-microscale polyethylene and polypropylene plastics on Nicotiana tabacum: Physiological responses and molecular mechanisms
Researchers exposed tobacco plants to polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics of different sizes and found that both types suppressed plant growth in a dose-dependent manner, with polypropylene being more toxic. The microplastics disrupted photosynthesis, triggered oxidative stress, and altered hormone signaling and defense pathways in the plants. These findings demonstrate that microplastic contamination in soil can impair crop growth at the molecular level, potentially affecting agricultural productivity.
An Assessment of Airborne Microplastic Distribution in Sri Lanka by Using Lichens
Using lichens collected at varying distances from an open dumpsite and plastic crusher plant in Sri Lanka, researchers found that airborne microplastic concentrations decreased with distance from the source, confirming these industrial plastic-handling sites as significant local emitters of airborne microplastic particles. Lichens proved to be practical passive samplers for monitoring airborne microplastic deposition. Inhalation of airborne microplastics near such facilities could represent a meaningful exposure route for nearby communities.
Toxic Impact of Soil Microplastics (PVC) on Two Weeds: Changes in Growth, Phenology and Photosynthesis Efficiency
Researchers found that PVC microplastics in soil negatively affected growth, photosynthetic efficiency, and phenological timing in two weed species, with effects varying by concentration and plant species, suggesting that soil microplastic contamination can alter plant community dynamics in agricultural and natural ecosystems.
Effect of plastic pollution on freshwater flora: A meta-analysis approach to elucidate the factors influencing plant growth and biochemical markers
Meta-analysis of 43 studies found that higher concentrations of micro- and nanoplastics negatively affected aquatic plant growth while increasing protein content and antioxidant enzyme activity as a stress response. Among polymers, PVC most strongly disrupted photosynthetic pigments, and algal species were the most growth-sensitive plant group.
Effects of Microplastics on Growth and Physiological Characteristics of Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)
Researchers found that low-density polyethylene microplastics inhibited tobacco plant growth in hydroponics, with high concentrations (1,000 mg/L) reducing chlorophyll content, disrupting antioxidant defenses, and lowering overall biomass.
Evaluating the retention of airborne microplastics on plant leaf: Influence of leaf morphology
Researchers tested how well different plant species capture airborne microplastics on their leaves and found that plants with textured surfaces like tiny hairs (trichomes) or divided leaflets trapped the most particles. PET fibers were the most common type of airborne microplastic captured. The study suggests that indoor and outdoor plants could help reduce the airborne microplastics that people breathe in, offering a simple, natural strategy to lower human exposure.
The threat of micro/nanoplastic to aquatic plants: current knowledge, gaps, and future perspectives
This review summarizes what is known about how micro- and nanoplastics affect aquatic plants, including how plants absorb these particles through roots and leaves and transport them internally. Exposure can alter plant growth, photosynthesis, and interactions with other organisms, though effects vary widely depending on plastic type and concentration. The authors highlight major research gaps and call for more studies on real-world conditions rather than controlled lab settings.
Multiple endpoints of polyethylene microplastics toxicity in vascular plants of freshwater ecosystems: A study involving Salvinia auriculata (Salviniaceae)
Researchers exposed the freshwater plant Salvinia auriculata to polyethylene microplastics for 28 days and observed reduced growth, thinner leaf tissue, and structural damage to cells. The study found that microplastics adhered to leaf and root surfaces, causing chlorophyll loss, cell membrane damage, and oxidative stress in the plants.
Airborne microplastics in leaves and food safety risks
Researchers provided evidence that airborne microplastics are deposited on and taken up by plant leaves, highlighting an important and underappreciated pathway of terrestrial plastic pollution and raising food safety concerns about the accumulation of airborne MPs on edible vegetation.
An Assessment of distribution of Airborne Microplastic using Epiphytic Crustose Lichens in Surrounding Areas of an Open Dumpsite of a Plastic Crusher Plant at Kanadola, Sri Lanka
By collecting lichen samples at increasing distances from a plastic crushing plant in Sri Lanka, researchers detected significantly more airborne microplastics near the facility than at a control forest site, with no significant difference between the 50-meter and 50–100-meter zones. The findings demonstrate that industrial plastic processing sites are point sources of airborne microplastic emissions, and that lichens can serve as low-cost passive biomonitors for tracking atmospheric plastic pollution around such facilities.
Negative impacts of nanoplastics on the purification function of submerged plants in constructed wetlands: Responses of oxidative stress and metabolic processes
Researchers exposed a submerged aquatic plant commonly used in constructed wetlands to polystyrene nanoplastics and measured the impacts on growth, photosynthesis, and metabolism. They found that nanoplastics were absorbed and transported throughout the plant, reducing growth by up to 73 percent and disrupting key metabolic pathways including the citric acid cycle. The study suggests that nanoplastic accumulation in wetland plants could compromise their ability to purify water.
Micro and nanoplastics pollution: Sources, distribution, uptake in plants, toxicological effects, and innovative remediation strategies for environmental sustainability
This review examines how microplastics and nanoplastics enter plants through roots, disrupt growth and photosynthesis, and cause oxidative stress that reduces crop yields. Because these plastic particles can move through plant tissues and into edible parts, they represent a potential pathway for microplastics to enter the human food supply.
Leaf absorption contributes to accumulation of microplastics in plants
Researchers found that plant leaves can absorb tiny plastic particles directly from the air, not just through the roots. Leafy vegetables grown outdoors in polluted areas contained measurable amounts of common plastics like PET and polystyrene. This means airborne microplastics may be entering our food supply through the plants we eat.
Microplastics: toxicity and tolerance in plants
Researchers reviewed how microplastics harm both land plants and water plants by disrupting their growth, nutrient uptake, and genetic function, while also triggering the plants' own defense systems in response. Understanding how plants tolerate microplastic exposure is important because contaminated crops could eventually affect human health through the food chain.
Foliar implications of polystyrene nanoplastics on leafy vegetables and its ecological consequences
Scientists applied polystyrene nanoplastics to four common leafy vegetables and found that the tiny particles accumulated on leaf surfaces, particularly around the pores plants use to breathe. This accumulation reduced the plants' chlorophyll content and ability to photosynthesize, affecting their growth and nutritional quality. The findings raise concerns that airborne nanoplastic pollution could compromise the safety and nutritional value of the vegetables people eat.
Airborne microplastics in leaves and food safety risks
Researchers highlighted evidence that airborne microplastics can be absorbed through plant leaves, representing a significant but underappreciated route of plastic contamination in terrestrial food systems. The study underscores the need for urgent action to reduce plastic emissions and re-evaluate agricultural and food safety frameworks.
An emerging class of air pollutants: Potential effects of microplastics to respiratory human health?
This review explores the emerging concern that airborne microplastics can be inhaled by humans, potentially causing adverse effects on the respiratory system. Researchers compiled available data on the concentration, size, shape, and chemical composition of microplastic particles found in urban air. The findings suggest that airborne plastic debris represents a largely understudied class of air pollutant with potential implications for human health.