A groundbreaking study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has revealed that microplastics significantly hinder plant photosynthesis, posing a serious threat to global food security. The research combined over 3,000 observations from 157 studies, highlighting the widespread impact of plastic pollution on plant health and agricultural productivity.
How Microplastics Affect Plants
The study found that microplastics reduce photosynthetic efficiency by about 12% in terrestrial plants and 7% in marine algae. This decline directly affects staple crops such as wheat, rice, and maize, with yield losses ranging from 4% to 14%. As a result, an estimated 400 million additional people could face starvation over the next two decades.
Microplastics disrupt plant growth through several mechanisms. They degrade soil quality, block sunlight from reaching leaves, and interfere with nutrient and water absorption. Additionally, these particles can carry toxic chemicals, further harming plant health. In marine environments, microplastic pollution is projected to reduce fish and seafood availability by up to 24 million tonnes annually.
Global Implications and Urgent Action
The effects of microplastics on agriculture and ecosystems are expected to be most severe in Asia, Europe, and the U.S., where contamination is rising. Experts warn that without urgent intervention, food security challenges will worsen worldwide.
To combat this crisis, scientists and policymakers are calling for stricter regulations on plastic waste. Negotiations for a global treaty on plastic pollution are set to resume in August, aiming to curb its impact on food production as well as biodiversity.
This study underscores the urgent need to reduce microplastic contamination to protect plant life, agricultural yields, and global food supplies. Without immediate action, millions could face hunger due to an environmental crisis we are only beginning to understand.
