Uptake, transport and accumulation of micro- and nano-plastics in terrestrial plants and health risk associated with their transfer to food chain - A mini review

• Published in: The Science of the total environment 2023-12, Vol.902, p.166045, Article 166045
• Main Authors: Liu, Yongqiang, Ben, Yue, Che, Ruijie, Peng, Chunqing, Li, Jining, Wang, Fenghe
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Absorption; Bioaccumulation; Human health; Micro- and nano-plastics; Terrestrial plants; Transportation
• ISSN: 0048-9697; 1879-1026
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166045

Waste plastics enter the environment (water, soil, and atmosphere) and degrade into micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) through physical, chemical, or biological processes. MNPs are ubiquitous in the environment and inevitably interact with terrestrial plants. Terrestrial plants have become important potential sinks, and subsequently, the sources of MNPs. At present, many studies have reported the effects of MNPs on plant physiology, biochemistry, and their phototoxicity. However, the source, detection method, and the absorption process of MNPs in terrestrial plants have not been systematically studied. In order to better understand the continuous process of MNPs entering terrestrial plants, this review introduces the sources and analysis methods of MNPs in terrestrial plants. The uptake pathways of MNPs in terrestrial plants and their influencing factors were systematically summarized. Meanwhile, the transport pathways and the accumulation of MNPs in different plant organs (roots, stems, leaves, calyxes, and fruits) were explored. Finally, the transfer of MNPs through food chains to humans and their health risks were discussed. The aim of this work is to provide significant theoretical knowledge to understand the uptake, transport, and accumulation of MNPs in terrestrial plants and the potential health risks associated with their transfer to humans through food chain. [Display omitted] •The sources and detection methods of MNPs in terrestrial plants are showed.•MNPs enter terrestrial plants mainly via leaf stomata and root crack models.•Size, shape and surface charge affecting the entry of MNPs into terrestrial plants•MNPs can be transported to the whole plant via phloem and xylem, respectively.•MNPs may be transferred along the food chain and affect human health.