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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Risks of microplastics from polyurethane and polyethylene-polycarbonate coated fertilizers to soil-crop system
ClearBiochemical Impact of Microplastic Exposure on Seed Enzyme Activation During Early Germination
This study examined how microplastic exposure affects antioxidant enzyme activity in seeds during early germination, finding that microplastics disrupted key biochemical processes required for seed activation. The results suggest soil microplastic contamination could impair crop establishment.
Responses of soil enzyme activities to urea amendment in microplastic-impacted soils
Researchers investigated how three types of microplastics (HDPE, PP, and PET) affect key soil enzymes involved in nutrient cycling, with and without urea fertilizer. Higher microplastic concentrations significantly reduced enzyme activities by 10-34%, with PP and HDPE causing the strongest effects. While urea partially offset the enzyme inhibition at low microplastic levels, it was unable to counteract the suppression at higher concentrations, highlighting the threat microplastics pose to soil health.
[Effects of Polyethylene Microplastics on Soil Nutrients and Enzyme Activities].
Researchers studied how different concentrations and sizes of polyethylene microplastics affect soil chemistry and enzyme activity over four months. They found that smaller microplastics had a greater impact on soil nutrient cycling than larger ones, and that higher concentrations more significantly disrupted enzyme functions critical for soil health. The study indicates that microplastic pollution in agricultural soils could impair the biological processes that maintain soil fertility.
Environmental risk substances in soil on seed germination: Chemical species, inhibition performance, and mechanisms
This review summarizes how various soil pollutants including microplastics, heavy metals, and petroleum chemicals inhibit crop seed germination and early growth. Microplastics can physically block water absorption by seeds and release toxic additives that impair root development. The findings are relevant to food security because microplastic contamination of agricultural soil could reduce crop yields and affect the food supply.
Phytotoxicity of polystyrene, polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.)
Researchers tested the effects of polystyrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene microplastics on tomato plant growth using hydroponic experiments at various concentrations. The study found that all three types of microplastics negatively affected seed germination, root growth, and plant development, with effects varying by plastic type and concentration. These findings suggest that microplastic contamination in agricultural settings could interfere with crop growth and food production.
Effects of nano- & microplastics on terrestrial plants are ubiquitous and widespread: a systematic review
This systematic review finds that nano- and microplastics have widespread negative effects on plants, including reduced germination, stunted growth, and biochemical stress responses. Since plants form the base of our food supply, these findings suggest that microplastic contamination in agricultural soils could affect crop health and potentially the quality of food we eat.
A critical review of microplastics in the soil-plant system: Distribution, uptake, phytotoxicity and prevention
This review brings together data from over 1,000 sampling sites worldwide to map microplastic contamination in soil and its effects on plants. Microplastics can delay seed germination, stunt plant growth, inhibit photosynthesis, and cause genetic damage to crops. The findings raise concerns about food safety because microplastics in agricultural soil could both reduce crop yields and introduce contaminants into the food chain.
Effects of microplastics polluted soil on the growth of Solanum lycopersicum L.
This study tested how microplastic-contaminated soil affects tomato plant growth, finding that higher concentrations of plastic particles in soil reduced plant height, root development, and overall crop health. The results suggest that microplastic pollution in farmland could reduce food crop yields and potentially affect the quality of the produce we eat.
Effect of microplastics and nanoplastics on cereal crops
This review summarized how microplastics and nanoplastics in soil affect cereal crops including wheat, rice, and maize, finding that even small amounts can inhibit seed germination, reduce root growth, and impair nutrient uptake. Microplastic contamination of agricultural soils poses a direct threat to global food security.
Presence of High-Density Polyethylene Nanoplastics (HDPE-NPs) in Soil Can Influence the Growth Parameters of Tomato Plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) at Various Stages of Development
Researchers grew tomato plants in soil spiked with high-density polyethylene nanoplastics at environmentally relevant concentrations, finding that the nanoplastics slowed germination, reduced root and shoot growth, and affected plant physiology at multiple developmental stages. Effects were dose-dependent and more pronounced at higher nanoplastic concentrations. As nanoplastics are now detected in agricultural soils through biosolid application and irrigation, this study raises concerns about the impact of nano-sized plastic contamination on food crop yields.
Response of soil biochemical properties and ecosystem function to microplastics pollution
This study found that polyethylene microplastics significantly disrupted soil health by reducing enzyme activity, lowering nutrient availability, and impairing overall ecosystem function. Smaller microplastics caused more damage than larger ones, and the effects were dose-dependent, suggesting that as microplastic pollution accumulates in agricultural soil, it could increasingly threaten the soil health that food production depends on.
Micro/Nanoplastics in Agricultural Soils and Associated Hazard
This review surveys the sources, distribution, and hazards of micro- and nanoplastics in agricultural soils, with particular attention to how MPs interact with soil organisms, alter nutrient availability, and accumulate in crops in ways that threaten both soil health and food safety.
Microplastic effects on soil nitrogen cycling enzymes: A global meta-analysis of environmental and edaphic factors
This large-scale meta-analysis of 147 studies found that microplastics in soil significantly increased urease and leucine aminopeptidase enzyme activities by about 8%, potentially disrupting nitrogen cycling. Biodegradable microplastics had more pronounced effects than conventional plastics, and responses depended on soil pH, polymer type, particle size, and concentration.
Impacts of Microplastics and Nanoplastics on Tomato Crops: A Critical Review
This review covers the impacts of microplastics and nanoplastics on tomato crops, documenting disruption at germination, root development, flowering, and fruit production stages. It also examines how these particles alter soil microbial communities and identifies priority research areas for understanding MP effects on major food crops.
Effect of polypropylene microplastics on seed germination and nutrient uptake of tomato and cherry tomato plants
Researchers tested the effects of polypropylene microplastics on tomato and cherry tomato seed growth in lab conditions. While microplastics did not significantly affect germination, they did alter how plants absorbed certain nutrients like potassium and calcium. This suggests that microplastic-contaminated soil could subtly change the nutritional quality of food crops, even if the plants appear to grow normally.
Can microplastics threaten plant productivity and fruit quality? Insights from Micro-Tom and Micro-PET/PVC
Researchers grew tomato plants in soil containing environmentally realistic levels of PET and PVC microplastics and found mixed effects on plant productivity and fruit quality. While some growth parameters were affected, the microplastics also altered the mineral content of the tomatoes. This study suggests that microplastics in agricultural soil could change the nutritional profile of the food we eat.
Lettuce seed germination in the presence of microplastic contamination
This study examined the effects of microplastic contamination on lettuce seed germination, finding that microplastics in soil altered physiological processes such as water retention and chlorophyll production, with implications for food safety and agricultural ecosystems.
Impacts of Nano- and Microplastic Contamination on Soil Organisms and Soil–Plant Systems
Nano- and microplastic contamination was found to negatively affect soil organic matter dynamics and the activity of soil organisms. The research adds to growing evidence that plastic particles impair the biological processes that maintain soil health and fertility.
High‐density polyethylene microplastics in agricultural soil: Impact on microbes, enzymes, and carbon‐nitrogen ratio
Researchers assessed the impact of high-density polyethylene microplastics at various concentrations on agricultural soil over 60 days. The study found that microplastics caused non-uniform effects on microbial populations, reduced key enzyme activities through hydrogen bond formation with enzymes, and significantly altered the soil carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, suggesting potential long-term consequences for soil health.
Unveiling the effect of microplastics on agricultural crops – a review
This review examines how microplastics affect agricultural crops, covering impacts on seed germination, root growth, photosynthesis, and overall plant health. Most studies focused on polystyrene and polyethylene under controlled lab conditions, and the effects varied widely depending on plastic type, size, and concentration. The authors stress that more field-based research is needed to understand how microplastics actually behave in real farming environments.
Quantification and identification of microplastics in organic fertilizers: the implication for the manufacture and safe application
Researchers measured microplastic contamination in 23 commercial organic fertilizers, finding widespread presence at levels that could meaningfully contribute to agricultural soil pollution when fertilizers are applied. The results raise concerns about organic fertilizers as an underappreciated pathway for microplastics entering farm soils and the food system.
Impact of microplastic residues from polyurethane films on crop growth: Unraveling insights through transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis
Residual plastic films from coated fertilizers harmed wheat growth by disrupting energy metabolism in roots, with one type reducing plant height by nearly 25%. However, some bio-based polyester films triggered plant defense responses that offset the damage, suggesting that switching to certain biodegradable alternatives could reduce the microplastic-related risks to crop production and food safety.
[Adverse Effects and Underlying Mechanisms of Soil Microplastics on Crops and Its Preventive Strategies].
This review summarizes the pollution status of microplastics in agricultural soils and their adverse effects on crops, including mechanical damage, oxidative stress, and genotoxicity leading to disrupted plant growth and metabolism. Researchers also examined how hazardous substances released from microplastics and contaminants adsorbed onto their surfaces contribute to soil ecosystem harm. The study identifies source control and biodegradation as the most promising strategies for reducing microplastic risks to crop production.
Microplastic Contamination in Agricultural Soils: Impacts on soil properties and plant performance
This review synthesized research on microplastic contamination in agricultural soils, examining how MPs affect soil physical properties, chemistry, and plant growth performance. It identified key knowledge gaps around MP accumulation rates, long-term soil effects, and impacts on food crop yields.