Research Progress on the Effects of Microplastics on the Growth and Development of Terrestrial Plants and Rhizosphere Environment

Soil has become an important gathering place for microplastics (MPs) due to agricultural activities, atmospheric deposition, and surface runoff. The accumulation of microplastics in soil affects the growth and development of terrestrial plants, posing a threat to the safety of terrestrial ecosystems and food chains. Therefore, it is crucial to study the effects of microplastics on terrestrial plant growth and development. This article reviews research progress on the effects of microplastics on plant growth and development as well as on rhizosphere environments, and proposes prospects and suggestions for strengthening related research. Microplastics can adhere to plant surfaces, enter into plants through root tips, affect seed germination and root system development, induce oxidative stress responses, alter photosynthetic intensity, produce cytotoxicity and genotoxicity while affecting plant metabolism and nutrient absorption. The phytotoxicity of microplastics depend on their characteristics (concentration, size, shape, composition and charge) as well as different plants at various stages of growth. Microplastics can also change the characteristics of plant rhizosphere soil and microbial communities, indirectly affecting plant growth. This article summarizes research on the effects of microplastics on terrestrial plant growth and rhizosphere environment, and discusses future research directions on MPs in soil-plant system, providing scientific basis and technical support for risk prevention and control of microplastic pollution in soil and land ecosystems.