Plants absorb microplastics from air through their leaves: Study

Plants, including vegetables, can absorb microplastics from the air directly through their leaves, according to a study published in Nature. Analysis using mass spectrometry showed presence of polyethylene terephthalate and polystyrene polymers, common microplastics, and oligomers in leaves. The study revealed microplastics levels increase with atmospheric concentrations and leaf growth duration.