Microplastics disrupt photosynthesis

(Dan Tri) - Microplastics have become a global pollution problem. They are present in the air, soil, water and even infiltrate the food chain.

Researchers are estimating the impact of microplastics on plant growth worldwide (Photo: PNAS).

A recent international study has shown the serious harm of microplastics to photosynthesis, estimating that they can reduce the photosynthesis rate in plants by up to 18%.

Using data from 157 previous studies, the team applied machine learning to analyze the effects of microplastics on the growth of terrestrial plants, marine algae, and freshwater algae.

The results showed that the photosynthetic rate was reduced by an average of 7.05% to 12.12%, while the concentration of chlorophyll a, an important pigment in photosynthesis, decreased by up to 18.25% in freshwater algae.

In Europe, wheat is the main crop group that has seen a decline in production due to microplastics. In the US, corn and potatoes are the most affected. Estimated annual losses range from 109.73 to 360.87 million tons of crops and from 1.05 to 24.33 million tons of seafood.

The statistics are a warning about the huge impact of microplastics on food security and ecosystems, researchers say. Accordingly, the decline in photosynthesis not only threatens food production but also affects ecosystems and atmospheric quality.

Photosynthesis has long been a vital process that increases oxygen levels, reduces CO₂ and underpins the global food chain. A significant decline in photosynthetic efficiency would mean potentially negative impacts for people and ecosystems on Earth.

The study also serves as a wake-up call on the harmful impact of microplastics on the planet. Scientists are calling for urgent action to remove microplastics from the environment and stop pollution now.

Accordingly, plastic waste reduction policies should be integrated into sustainable development initiatives to protect the planet and ensure global food security.

However, the scientists stressed that the above estimates may be affected by the replication of data from small-scale studies. Therefore, more research is needed to confirm the results, thereby strengthening this argument.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/khoa-hoc/vi-nhua-pha-vo-quang-hop-20250317110451943.htm