Micro- and nanoplastics-induced stress in plants: uptake, physiological disruption, and toxicity mechanisms

TL;DR

This paper reviews how micro- and nanoplastics affect plants, including their uptake, distribution, and toxic effects, and highlights key research needs.

Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive synthesis of M/NP interactions with plants and identifies critical knowledge gaps for future research.

Findings

M/NPs accumulate in plant tissues and disrupt morphology and biochemical processes.

Toxicity mechanisms and synergistic effects with other stressors are poorly understood.

Future research should focus on mechanistic endpoints linked to crop performance.

Abstract

The persistence and progressive fragmentation of plastic waste into micro- and nanoplastics (M/NPs) represent a significant and escalating threat to agro-ecosystems, adversely impacting a broad spectrum of organisms from soil microbiota to plants, animals, and ultimately human health. Although ecotoxicological studies have documented adverse outcomes, connections between plastic exposure and specific plant physiological endpoints remain underexplored. Here, we synthesize the current evidence on the interaction of plastics particle with plants, especially emphasizing accumulation and distribution of particles in different plant tissues, entry pathways, morphological disruption, and biochemical response. We further devolve into underlying toxicity mechanisms, and synergistic effects with other environmental stressors. Therefore, this review synthesizes current knowledge on the uptake, internal fate, and physiological consequences of M/NPs stress in plants. We also identify key areas for future research, including the development of mechanistic endpoints that directly correlate with crop performance.

Decoding M/NPs phytotoxicity: uptake, stress mechanisms, and knowledge gaps. This visualization was produced with Perplexity AI (perplexity.ai) and has been critically reviewed and labelled by author.Illustration showing micro and nanoplastics and heavy metals in soil entering plant roots through uptake and transport, moving upward with water and nutrients, accumulating in leaves, and interacting with plant microbiomes; right side lists physiological responses, mechanisms of toxicity, and research priorities related to plant health and toxicity.

Decoding M/NPs phytotoxicity: uptake, stress mechanisms, and knowledge gaps. This visualization was produced with Perplexity AI (perplexity.ai) and has been critically reviewed and labelled by author.

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