Durham Reporter

Researchers have found that microplastic particles present in our environment may reduce a plant's capacity to conduct photosynthesis. This process is crucial for all plants, including essential food crops such as wheat, rice, and corn. "Researchers have discovered that microplastic particles, which are ever present in our global environment, can lower a plant’s ability to carry out photosynthesis."

Microplastics, which are plastics smaller than 5 mm, are present in diverse and remote locations worldwide, from ocean depths to Mount Everest. These particles retain chemical additives and can transport harmful pathogens and heavy metals. An increasing concern is the impact of microplastic accumulation in the human body and its potential unknown environmental contaminants.

Scientists have started to explore how microplastics affect other organisms essential to humans, like plants. Recently, studies revealed that plant growth diminishes when exposed to microplastics. The study concluded that microplastics affect plant growth in several ways, including increased production of reactive oxygen species, changes in chemical composition, alterations in hormone regulation, and reduced photosynthesis through chlorophyll alterations.

Plants play a critical role in the global food chain, and microplastics may pose a significant challenge to food production and air quality maintenance amid ongoing population growth. Studies indicate that reducing photosynthesis due to microplastic exposure could impact food and seafood supply significantly over the next 25 years.

Plants also contribute substantially to global oxygen production and carbon dioxide reduction through photosynthesis, crucial for maintaining clean air. However, researchers found microplastic pollution could reduce chlorophyll levels by up to 12.84%, affecting oxygen levels and marine life.

Addressing the effects of microplastics on the environment is a priority for RTI International. They employ a multidisciplinary approach that involves scientific research, collaboration with regulatory agencies, and innovation with companies.

RTI's actions include characterizing microplastics in samples, understanding their toxicity, and investigating emerging contaminants' transport. They also support regulatory risk assessment development and work on more effective plastic usage with the industry. RTI stresses global collaboration to tackle the challenges posed by microplastics, emphasizing, "This challenge is a human problem and will take a global effort to make sure current and future generations can live healthier and pollution-free lives."