Publication

Abstract : The horticulture sector, essential for global food production, confronts significant challenges with prevalent pollutants, mainly microplastics. The presence of microplastics in the food chain has induced physiological stress and a multifactorial food safety concern. The complexity of the problem, arising from intricate interactions among microplastics, organisms, and ecosystems, poses a substantial challenge to food safety, necessitating an immediate strategic perspective due to the associated risks to human health and eco-toxicology. Significant knowledge gaps persist regarding their impact on terrestrial ecosystems, especially in horticulture. This study addresses the urgent need to comprehend the implications of microplastics on soil health, eco-toxicological risks, and nutrient dynamics in horticultural environments. The review covers potential sources of microplastics, their impact on horticultural crops including eco-toxicity, various identification techniques, and proposed mitigation measures, offering insights for environmentalists, biotechnologists, and policymakers to proactively mitigate risks.