Microplastics and Photosynthesis

Microplastics have been found from the summit of Everest to the deepest ocean trenches. These ubiquitous pollutants are now threatening their creators. A Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences study examined 157 papers  on the impact of microplastics on plants. It effectively combined more than 3000 observations, on this topic. Microplastics damage soil and block plant water/nutrient channels. Their toxic chemicals, however, also reduce plant chlorophyll levels. Microplastics consequently reduce photosynthesis. Reductions in terrestrial plants and marine algae, are respectively estimated to be circa 12 and 7%. Microplastics are currently estimated to produce losses of between 4 and 14% in our  global staple crops of wheat, rice and maize. These losses will only increase as more microplastics are produced  (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/10/microplastics-hinder-plant-photosynthesis-study-finds-threatening-millions-with-starvation). We know that ingesting microplastics causes human ill-health. These pollutants also, however, make providing sufficient food for the burgeoning human population, much more problematic.