Plant leaves are doing more than just photosynthesis—they can also absorb airborne microplastics! A joint study led by Chinese scientists has uncovered that these tiny particles accumulate on leaves, creating a direct pathway for pollutants to enter our food chain and possibly our bodies.
The research, published online this Wednesday in the journal Nature, involved experts from Nankai University's College of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Northeastern University, and the Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences. This breakthrough highlights the hidden challenges in our environment and emphasizes the need for innovative solutions to protect both our green spaces and our health. Stay curious and keep exploring the green side of science! 🌱🔬
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
