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

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.

Automated summary

This review discusses the sources, uptake pathways, and effects of microplastics and nanoplastics in soil and plant systems, emphasizing the potential risks they pose in modern agriculture. The transportation of microplastics and nanoplastics in soil is mainly influenced by agricultural practices, climate changes, and soil organisms, with nanoplastics more prone to enter plant cell walls. Additionally, transpiration pull plays a key role in the uptake and translocation of plastic particles in plants, with microplastics having negligible negative effects on plant physiological and biochemical indicators.