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

Abstract

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.

The Impact of Microplastics on Global Food Production: A Brief Overview of This Complex Sector

“…The most recent findings in the literature thus highlight the risk of MPs on the health of pollinator species. Shah et al [126] give a review of the effects of MPs and NPs on plant-pollinating species.…”

Polypropylene Fragments Block Pollen–Pistil Interactions and Reduce Seed Production in a Monkeyflower Species

“…25−27 As pollination involves seed and fruit production, 28−30 microplastics might be a threat to food yield. Despite microplastics being considered a threat to plant reproduction, 31 to the best of our knowledge, no studies have directly addressed this issue. The only reported study related to microplastics and plant reproductive organs was conducted to determine the role of the stylar matrix in pollen tube development.…”