Nanoplastics in the Plant–Human Food Chain: Plant Uptake, Transfer, and Biological Effects

Nanoplastics have emerged as widespread contaminants in agricultural ecosystems, entering soil through multiple pathways such as agricultural plastics, wastewater irrigation, and atmospheric deposition. Due to their nanoscale size and high surface reactivity, these particles can persist in soil environments, be absorbed by plant roots, and translocate to edible plant tissues, raising concerns about food safety and human exposure. In plants, nanoplastics can induce oxidative stress, disrupt photosynthesis and nutrient uptake, alter gene expression, and ultimately reduce plant growth and productivity. In soil systems, they may disturb microbial communities, interfere with nutrient cycling, and act as carriers for heavy metals and organic pollutants. Nanoplastics can also move through terrestrial food chains from plants to herbivores and higher trophic levels, eventually reaching humans through food consumption, drinking water, and inhalation. Experimental evidence suggests potential risks including inflammation, endocrine disruption, and tissue accumulation; however, current understanding remains limited, particularly under realistic field conditions. Significant knowledge gaps still exist regarding standardized detection methods, environmental concentrations, and long-term health effects. This review highlights the pathways, mechanisms, and potential risks of nanoplastics in the plant–human food chain and emphasizes the need for integrated, field-based, and interdisciplinary research approaches

کلیدواژه ها:

Nanoplastics ، Oxidative stress ، Plant uptake ، Plant–human food chain ، Soil–plant interactions