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

Liu, Yongqiang; Ben, Yue; Che, Ruijie; Peng, Chunqing; Li, Jining; Wang, Fenghe

doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166045

Cited by 14 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 103 publications

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“…MPs derived by fragmentation of plastic wastes are called “secondary” MPs, while “primary” MPs are specifically produced by humans both for their abrasive properties and to improve the stability of certain products, consequently MPs are intentionally added in cosmetics, toothpaste, household products, detergents, and paints formula (Ricciardi et al, 2021). Due to their small size, they are transported everywhere, and therefore we find them increasingly in the air, sea and freshwaters, soils, and being bioconcentrated in the food chain (Ferrante et al, 2022; Garrido Gamarro, 2022; Liu et al, 2023; Oliveri Conti et al, 2020) MPs reach humans (Pironti et al, 2021).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

First evidence of microplastics in human ovarian follicular fluid: an emerging threat to female fertility

Montano,

Raimondo,

Piscopo

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Plastic pollution is a pressing global issue, with over 400 million tons produced annually and projections of 1.1 billion tons by 2050. Microplastics (MPs), ranging from 5 mm to 1 micron, are pervasive in the environment. They are found in air, sea, freshwater, soils, food chains and studies show that tiny MPs, smaller than 10 μm, can cross cellular membranes, posing potential health risks through oxidative stress, inflammation, immune dysfunction, neurotoxicity and reprotoxicity. In recent years, research has shown that microplastics have negative effects on the female reproductive systems of animals. However, there is still a lack of evidence on how the accumulation of microplastics affects the reproductive health of human females. This study aimed to examine the presence of microplastics in the ovarian follicular fluid of 18 women undergoing assisted reproductive treatment whose samples were processed using a patented method endorsed nationally and internationally. Plastic particles <10 micron were measured using SEM with EDX detection. Preventive measures were taken to avoid contamination during the process. Microplastics (dimensions <10 micron) were detected in 14 out of 18 samples of follicular fluid, with an average of 2191 p/ml (0 - 7181p/ml) and with a mean diameter of MPs of 4.48 micron (3.18-5.54 micron). A significant correlation was found between microplastic concentration and FSH (p-value <0.05), as well as a weak correlation with BMI, age and Estradiol. There was no correlation with fertilization outcomes, miscarriages, or live birth. This is the first study to provide evidence for microplastics' presence in ovarian follicular fluid in women undergoing assisted reproductive treatment, representing a potential threat to female reproductive function.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

First evidence of microplastics in human ovarian follicular fluid: an emerging threat to female fertility

Montano,

Raimondo,

Piscopo

et al. 2024

Preprint

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“…With the growing concern over MP pollution, there is increasing recognition of the processes by which soil MPs are absorbed and accumulated by plants [1]. MP particles that originated from agricultural activities have become prevalent in farmland soil, and potentially impact the ecological environment and compromise soil safety [2][3][4].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Water Spinach (Ipomoea aquatica F.) Effectively Absorbs and Accumulates Microplastics at the Micron Level—A Study of the Co-Exposure to Microplastics with Varying Particle Sizes

Zhao,

Hu,

Wang

et al. 2024

Agriculture

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The absorption of microplastics (MPs; size < 5 mm) by plants has garnered increasing global attention owing to its potential implications for food safety. However, the extent to which leafy vegetables can absorb large amounts of MPs, particularly those > 1 μm, remains insufficiently demonstrated. To address this gap in knowledge, we conducted water culture experiments using water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica F.) as a model plant. The roots of water spinach were exposed to a mixed solution that contained fluorescently labeled polystyrene (PS) beads with particle sizes of 200 nm and 1 μm for 10 d. We utilized laser confocal scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy to record the absorption, migration, and patterns of accumulation of these large particle sizes of MPs within water spinach. Our findings revealed that micron-sized PS beads were absorbed by the roots in the presence of submicron PS beads and subsequently transported through the exosomes to accumulate to significant levels in the leaves. Short-term hydroponic experiments further indicated that high concentrations of PS bead solutions significantly inhibited the growth of water spinach owing to their large specific surface area that hindered the uptake of water and nutrients by the roots. In conclusion, both sizes of PS beads were found to be absorbed by water spinach, thereby increasing the risk associated with direct human consumption of microplastics in fruits and vegetables. This study provides valuable scientific insights to assess the pollution risks related to fruits and vegetables, as well as ensuring vegetable safety.

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Sources, impacts and distribution of microplastics in different environmental matrices: a review

Bhan,

Anita,

Kumar

2024

Environmental Sustainability

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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

Cited by 14 publications

References 103 publications

First evidence of microplastics in human ovarian follicular fluid: an emerging threat to female fertility

First evidence of microplastics in human ovarian follicular fluid: an emerging threat to female fertility

Water Spinach (Ipomoea aquatica F.) Effectively Absorbs and Accumulates Microplastics at the Micron Level—A Study of the Co-Exposure to Microplastics with Varying Particle Sizes

Sources, impacts and distribution of microplastics in different environmental matrices: a review

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