Microplastics, pervasive in the environment, pose a significant threat to global food security by harming plants' photosynthetic processes. A recent study examined 157 research pieces and indicated that microplastics are responsible for reducing photosynthesis efficacy in ecosystems, resulting in potential losses of up to 14% of major crops like wheat and rice. Researchers warn that unless effective measures are taken, these losses could escalate in the coming decades, drawing parallels with the impacts of climate change on agriculture. The study emphasizes the dire need for strategies to combat plastic pollution and safeguard food supplies.
Humanity has been striving to increase food production to feed an ever-growing population [but] these ongoing efforts are now being jeopardised by plastic pollution.
The presence of microplastics reduces the photosynthetic efficiency across terrestrial, marine, and freshwater ecosystems by anywhere from seven to 12 percent.
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