Mechanistic understanding on the uptake of micro-nano plastics by plants and its phytoremediation

Abstract

Contaminated soil is one of today's most difficult environmental issues, posing serious hazards to human health and the environment. Contaminants, particularly micro-nano plastics, have become more prevalent around the world, eventually ending up in the soil. Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the interactions of micro-nano plastics in plants and agroecosystems. However, viable remediation of micro-nano plastics in soil remains limited. In this review, a powerful in situ soil remediation technology known as phytoremediation is emphasized for addressing micro-nano-plastic contamination in soil and plants. It is based on the synergistic effects of plants and the microorganisms that live in their rhizosphere. As a result, the purpose of this review is to investigate the mechanism of micro-nano plastic (MNP) uptake by plants as well as the limitations of existing MNP removal methods. Different phytoremediation options for removing micro-nano plastics from soil are also described. Phytoremediation improvements (endophytic-bacteria, hyperaccumulator species, omics investigations, and CRISPR-Cas9) have been proposed to enhance MNP degradation in agroecosystems. Finally, the limitations and future prospects of phytoremediation strategies have been highlighted in order to provide a better understanding for effective MNP decontamination from soil.

Keywords: CRISPR-Cas9; Contaminants; Hyperaccumulator; Omics-based; Soil remediation.