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Review
. 2022 Oct 24;195(1):27.
doi: 10.1007/s10661-022-10654-z.

Microplastic/nanoplastic toxicity in plants: an imminent concern

Affiliations
Review

Microplastic/nanoplastic toxicity in plants: an imminent concern

Tapati Roy et al. Environ Monit Assess. .

Abstract

The toxic impact of microplastics/nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) in plants and the food chain has recently become a top priority. Several research articles highlighted the impact of MPs/NPs on the aquatic food chain; however, very little has been done in the terrestrial ecosystem. A number of studies revealed that MPs/NPs uptake and subsequent translocation in plants alter plant morphological, physiological, biochemical, and genetic properties to varying degrees. However, there is a research gap regarding MPs/NPs entry into plants, associated factors influencing phytotoxicity levels, and potential remediation plans in terms of food safety and security. To address these issues, all sources of MPs/NPs intrusion in agroecosystems should be revised to avoid these hazardous materials with special consideration as preventive measures. Furthermore, this review focuses on the routes of accumulation and transmission of MPs/NPs into plant tissues, related aspects influencing the intensity of plant stress, and potential solutions to improve food quality and quantity. This paper also concludes by providing an outlook approach of applying exogenous melatonin and introducing engineered plants that would enhance stress tolerance against MPs/NPs. In addition, an overview of inoculation of beneficial microorganisms and encapsulated enzymes in soil has been addressed, which would make the degradation of MPs/NPs faster.

Keywords: Ecocorona; Germination; Mucilage; Phytotoxicity; Remediation; Translocation.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Routes of MPs/NPs accumulation and translocation into plants
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
MPs/NPs-related factors affecting toxicity
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Plant-related factors and MPs/NPs toxicity to plants
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Direct impact of MPs/NPs on plants
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Disturbance of MPs/NPs in the plants and soil microbes interaction
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
MPs/NPs toxicity from primary producers to ultimate consumers
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
Remediation of MPs/NPs pollution from crop fields

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