Life in plastic, not always fantastic: Nano- and microplastics and their impact on terrestrial plants and the food chain

Abstract

Plastics have become an integral part of modern society due to their versatility and durability. Over time, larger plastic debris break down into smaller fragments, known as nanoplastics (NPs, < 100 nm) and

microplastics (MPs, < 1 mm), which have been detected in all kinds of environments, from oceans and freshwater systems to terrestrial ecosystems. While much attention has been paid to the presence and

effects of plastic pollution in aquatic systems, growing evidence indicates that terrestrial ecosystems may be equally or even more impacted by these particles. In terrestrial environments, agricultural lands have

emerged as a significant hotspot for nano- and microplastics (NMPs) pollution due to the extensive use of plastic-based products such as mulching films, fertilizers containing plastic residues, the use of biosolids (treated sewage sludge) and irrigation with treated wastewater. These practices result in the accumulation of NMPs in soils, raising concerns about their long-term implications for soil health, plant growth, and broader ecosystem functions, as well as implications for human health. The combined results of my thesis provide evidence to answer the overarching research question: “How and to what extent do nano- and microplastics impact different types of terrestrial plants and biota?”.