A new study reveals the detrimental ecological effects of microplastics on food chains in terrestrial ecosystems, shedding light on how plastic waste is exacerbating already existing ecological crises, Xinhua reported.
The study, published in the journal Trends in Plant Science, was jointly conducted by researchers from the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia, and the University of Southern Denmark.
Micro- and nanoplastics are plastic particles and fibers ranging in size from one nanometer to five millimeters. They pose a new threat to both marine and terrestrial ecosystems, scientists confirm.
The researchers found that plastic microparticles accumulate in most of the plants studied and their associated above-ground and below-ground biota. These particles can be transported through food chains, potentially disrupting ecosystem functionality.
“Once absorbed by plants, microparticles interact with herbivores, pollinators and mycorrhizae (symbiotic associations between green plants and fungi)“, says researcher Sue Gojui.
The study covers key trophic and non-trophic pathways for the transport of micro- and nanoparticles through terrestrial food chains, which can potentially affect biodiversity and ecosystem functionality.
The researchers also highlight the urgent need for further studies of terrestrial ecosystems to comprehensively assess the ecological impacts of microplastics and to formulate strategies to mitigate their impact on plants and their interconnected food webs.