Uptake and Accumulation of Nano/Microplastics in Plants: A Critical Review

Abstract

The ubiquitous presence of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in the environment is an undeniable and serious concern due to their higher persistence and extensive use in agricultural production. This review highlights the sources and fate of MPs and NPs in soil and their uptake, translocation, and physiological effects in the plant system. We provide the current snapshot of the latest reported studies with the majority of literature spanning the last five years. We draw attention to the potential risk of MPs and NPs in modern agriculture and their effects on plant growth and development. We also highlight their uptake and transport pathways in roots and leaves via different exposure methods in plants. Conclusively, agricultural practices, climate changes (wet weather and heavy rainfall), and soil organisms play a major role in transporting MPs and NPs in soil. NPs are more prone to enter plant cell walls as compared to MPs. Furthermore, transpiration pull is the dominant factor in the plant uptake and translocation of plastic particles. MPs have negligible negative effects on plant physiological and biochemical indicators. Overall, there is a dire need to establish long-term studies for a better understanding of their fate and associated risks mechanisms in realistic environment scenarios for safe agricultural functions.

Micro and Nanoplastics Interactions with Plant Species: Trends, Meta-Analysis, and Perspectives

“…Depending on endpoints, the smaller size plastic particles (i.e., <5 μm) are generally assumed to be more toxic as compared to larger size materials. 25, 46 A negative response on plant germination was resulted from exposure to MPx/NPx and this response varied with size. With MPx/NPx sizes of <100 nm, 100-400 and >400 nm, germination decreased by 7%, 19% and 27%, respectively.…”

“…23, 24 Recently, Azeem et al and Yan et al reported toxicity of MPx/NPx as measured by enzymatic activity and physiological parameters of the plants. 25, 26 However, a mechanistic understanding of the role of material size, concentration and plant species-specific response to MPx/NPx on plants physiological, biochemical, and photosynthetic indices remains elusive. It is clear that investigations of the ecotoxicology of MPx/NPx are needed to gain a comprehensive assessment of their hazard (s) and ultimate risk in agroecosystems.…”

Adsorption of Different Pollutants by Using Microplastic with Different Influencing Factors and Mechanisms in Wastewater: A Review

“…Microplastics in the land mainly interacted with pollutants directly to realize the treatment of pollutants. Of course, the indirect effects of microplastics also affect soil properties [23], such as soil MPs, can provide sorption sites for soil microorganisms, establish unique microbial communities and influence the ecological role of soil microorganisms [24].…”

Nanoplastics: Status and Knowledge Gaps in the Finalization of Environmental Risk Assessments

“…Owing to their capacity to accumulate nanosized particles, organisms may accumulate higher concentrations of NPs in the biological matrix than in other complex matrices [ 32 ]. Following uptake, NPs, especially the small ones (<100 nm), can penetrate the biological membranes [ 46 ] and potentially bioaccumulate in tissues or organs, leading to their transfer along trophic chains. This assumption is supported by experimental evidence [ 47 ].…”