Scientists discover thousands of dangerous microplastics lurking in vegetables

If your lunchtime salad doesn’t look too appealing, scientists have given you the perfect opportunity to ditch it. 

Experts from the University of Plymouth have issued an urgent warning over eating vegetables – after finding thousands of dangerous microplastics lurking in the edible parts. 

In their study, the team set out to understand how plastic particles are absorbed into vegetables during the growing process. 

Using radishes, they demonstrated how nanoplastics – some measuring as little as one millionth of a centimetre in diameter – can enter the roots. 

These dangerous particles can then spread and accumulate into the edible parts of the plant. 

While the researchers focused on radishes, they say the same findings likely apply to other vegetables. 

‘There is no reason to believe this is unique to this vegetable,’ warned Dr Nathaniel Clark, lead author of the study.

‘[There is] the clear possibility that nanoplastics are being absorbed into various types of produce being grown all over the world.’

Using radishes, the researchers demonstrated how nanoplastics – some measuring as little as one millionth of a centimetre in diameter – can enter the roots 

From the depths of The Mariana Trench to the summit of Everest, microplastics can be found almost everywhere on Earth.

However, until now, their proliferation in our vegetables has remained a mystery. 

To get to the bottom of it, the researchers placed radishes in a hydroponic growing system, with the roots in contact with a solution containing microplastic particles. 

After five days, the team examined just how far into the plant the particles had penetrated. 

Their results revealed that around 25 per cent of the accumulated plastics had reached the edible fleshy root. 

Meanwhile, 10 per cent of the plastics had got as far as the shoots. 

‘Plants have a layer within their roots called the Casparian strip, which should act as a form of filter against particles, many of which can be harmful,’ explained Dr Clark. 

‘This is the first time a study has demonstrated nanoplastic particles could get beyond that barrier, with the potential for them to accumulate within plants and be passed on to anything that consumes them.’

From the depths of The Mariana Trench to the summit of Everest, microplastics can be found almost everywhere on Earth. However, until now, their proliferation in our vegetables has remained a mystery

Using similar techniques, the researchers have also found evidence of plastic particles in various species of mollusks and fish. 

‘To some extent, these findings shouldn’t be a surprise—after all, in all our previous work we have found microplastic pollution everywhere we have looked for it,’ said Professor Richard Thompson, a senior author on the current study.

‘However, this study provides clear evidence that particles in the environment can accumulate not only in seafood but also in vegetables. 

‘This work forms part of our growing understanding on accumulation, and the potentially harmful effects of micro- and nanoparticles on human health.’

Currently, research investigating how microplastics affect human health is in its infancy, but there is a growing body of evidence suggesting they could be harmful. ^[1]

Since plastics contain chemicals known to be toxic or carcinogenic, scientists are concerned that a buildup of microplastics could damage tissues in our bodies.

In rodent studies, exposure to high levels of microplastics has been found to damage organs, including the intestines, lungs, liver, and reproductive system.

In humans, early studies have suggested a potential link between microplastic exposure and conditions such as cardiovascular disease and bowel cancer.