Microplastics and plant health: A comprehensive analysis of entry pathways, physiological impacts, and remediation strategies

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs), tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size, have become pervasive environmental contaminants with far-reaching implications for ecosystems worldwide. Their infiltration into terrestrial environments, particularly agricultural soils, raises critical concerns about their potential impacts on plant health, ecosystem functioning, and food safety. This review synthesizes current knowledge regarding the multifaceted pathways through which microplastics enter plant systems, their diverse physiological and biochemical effects, and the strategies available or under development to mitigate their adverse impacts. By integrating findings from recent ecotoxicological and agronomic studies, this article aims to highlight critical knowledge gaps, such as the long-term field-scale effects and the risks of co-contaminants, propose future research directions, and inform sustainable management practices to address microplastic pollution's burgeoning threat to global food security and plant ecosystems.