Do you consider it important to focus on the fight against plastic pollution?

Undoubtedly, it is crucial to combat plastic pollution given its impact on natural and agricultural ecosystems, as well as its consequences, many of them still unknown, on animal and human health. Its global impact on ecosystems requires urgent action.
 

How can this problem be addressed from your research area ?

From the perspective of plant physiology, micro- and nano-plastic contamination can be addressed through programs of study that explore their effects on the vital functions of plants, as well as their mechanisms of action. Studying their uptake by roots and transport to other parts of the plant could shed light on the impact of microplastics on edible organs and their migration into the food chain. On the other hand, the influence of environmental factors such as water availability could condition the response of crops to soil contamination by these pollutants. The study of the interaction between micro- and nano-plastics and the edaphic microbiome in agricultural soils can be crucial to understand the effects of these contaminants on crops.
 

Are you participating in any project related to this issue? Tell us briefly! If not, what project or idea would you like to implement to tackle plastic pollution from your discipline?

Recent programs of study point to a toxic effect of some microplastics on plants by altering their morphology, physiology and metabolism. It would be interesting to determine their impact on the quality of fruits and vegetables produced for human consumption.

* Inmaculada Pascual is a researcher at BIOMA Institute. Learn more about her research.