By Abdullahi Lukman
A new study reveals that microplastic pollution is significantly impacting global food supplies by hindering plant photosynthesis, potentially leading to substantial crop losses and increased food insecurity worldwide.
Researchers estimate a 4 percent to 14 percent reduction in staple crops like wheat, rice, and maize, with projections indicating a possible increase of 400 million people at risk of starvation within two decades.
The study, led by Prof. Huan Zhong of Nanjing University, analyzed over 3,000 observations from 157 studies, finding that microplastics reduce terrestrial plant photosynthesis by approximately 12 percent and marine algae photosynthesis by 7 percent.
These particles, broken down from plastic waste, impede plant growth by damaging soils, blocking sunlight, and releasing toxic chemicals.
The findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, highlight Asia as the region hardest hit, with estimated crop losses ranging from 54 million to 177 million tonnes annually.
Significant losses are also projected for wheat in Europe and maize in the United States.
In marine environments, microplastics coating algae could lead to a loss of 1 million to 24 million tonnes of fish and seafood per year.
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Researchers warn that these crop losses could rival those caused by climate change in recent decades, exacerbating the challenge of feeding a growing global population.
They also suggest that reduced photosynthesis in oceans could impact the absorption of climate-heating CO2.
While some experts, like Prof. Denis Murphy of the University of South Wales, acknowledge the study’s timeliness, they caution that the headline figures require further research for confirmation.
Prof. Richard Lampitt of the UK’s National Oceanography Centre expressed concerns about the quality of the data used, urging caution in interpreting the results.
The researchers emphasize the urgency of addressing plastic pollution, particularly given the pervasive presence of microplastics in human bodies and the environment.
They call for immediate action and robust targets in the ongoing negotiations for a UN treaty to curb plastic pollution.
Prof. Richard Thompson of the University of Plymouth stressed the need for solutions, stating, “Ensuring the treaty addresses microplastic pollution is of key importance.”
The study highlights the critical need for further data collection and research to refine these estimates and develop effective strategies to mitigate the impact of microplastic pollution on global food security.
