Phenotypic and Genotypic Alterations in Plants in Response to Micro/Nano-Plastics

Abstract

The ubiquitous presence of MPs/NPs has led to multifarious changes which have become a serious concern due to their persistence and existence in the environment. This chapter investigates the complex interactions between the plants and micro/nano-plastics. The primary focus of the chapter is the impact on morphology as well as the molecular framework of the plant as the consequence attributed by MPs/NPs. The origins, fate, absorption, translocation, and physiological impacts of MPs and NPs in plants are highlighted in this review. Furthermore, the idea shifts towards the genotypic landscape wherein the plant gene expression patterns are studied due to the stress level caused by plastics. With the benefit of uncapping technology, many signaling pathways associated with the coping mechanism can be comprehended and the migration of MPs/NPs to the plant tissues and their presence in the seeds are also clarified. Therefore, the phenotypic and genotypic findings are concluded, along with a discussion of the wider implications for ecosystem health.