Microplastics and Nanoplastics Effects on Plant-Pollinator Interaction and Pollination Biology

Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) contamination is an emerging environmental and public health concern, and these particles have been reported both in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Recent studies have expanded our understanding of the adverse effects of MNPs pollution on human, terrestrial, and aquatic animals, insects, and plants. In this perspective, we describe the adverse effects of MNPs particles on pollinator and plant health and discuss the mechanisms by which MNPs disrupt the pollination process. We discuss the evidence and integrate transcriptome studies to investigate the negative effects of MNPs on the molecular biology of pollination, which may cause delay or inhibit the pollination services. We conclude by addressing challenges to plant-pollinator health from MNPs pollution and argue that such harmful effects disrupt the communication between plant and pollinator for a successful pollination process.

Automated summary

Microplastics and nanoplastics contamination is a growing environmental and public health concern, and they have been found in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Recent studies have increased our understanding of the harmful effects of microplastics pollution on humans, animals, insects, and plants. This perspective explores the adverse effects of microplastic particles on pollinator and plant health, discusses the mechanisms by which they disrupt pollination, and integrates transcriptome studies to investigate their negative effects on the molecular biology of pollination, which can lead to delays or inhibition of pollination services. The harmful effects of microplastics pollution on plant-pollinator health disrupt the communication necessary for successful pollination.