Adsorption, uptake and toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics: Effects on terrestrial plants and aquatic macrophytes

Plastic pollution is a new, pressing, environmental topic. Microplastics are considered contaminants of emerging concern and, consequently, microplastic research has grown exponentially in the last decade. Here, current knowledge regarding the impacts of micro-and nanoplastics on terrestrial plants and aquatic macrophytes is discussed, with a special focus on adsorption, uptake and toxicological effects. Our review reveals that a range of plants and macrophytes can adsorb or internalise plastic particles. Both processes depend on particle characteristics such as size and charge, as well as plant features including a sticky or hydrophobic surface layer. This finding is of concern given that plants and aquatic macrophytes are at the bottom of food webs and are a crucial component of the human diet. Therefore, there is a critical need for improved understanding of adsorption, uptake and impacts of micro-and nanoplastics, and the consequences thereof for trophic transfer, food safety and security. Also, a range of stress responses have been observed for many plant and macrophyte species after both short and longterm exposures to plastic particles. Given that some plastic particles can affect plant productivity, we surmise that plastic particles may potentially impact ecosystem productivity and function. Here we present a synthesis and a critical evaluation of the state of knowledge of micro-and nanoplastics and plants and macrophytes, identifying key questions for future research. (c) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Automated summary

The research suggests that micro-and nanoplastics may have adsorption, uptake, and toxicological effects on plants and aquatic macrophytes, impacting food webs and food safety. Many plant and macrophyte species exhibit stress responses after exposure to plastic particles, potentially affecting ecosystem productivity and function.