Impacts of Microplastics and Nanoplastics on Tomato Crops: A Critical Review
Abstract
1. Introduction
2. Impacts of Microplastics
2.1. Impacts of Microplastics on Seed Germination
2.2. Impacts of Microplastics on Plant Growth
2.3. Impacts of Microplastics on Photosynthesis
2.4. Impacts of Microplastics on the Oxidative Stress
2.5. Impact of Microplastics on Fruit Quality
3. Impacts of Nanoplastics
3.1. Impacts of Nanoplastics on Seed Germination
3.2. Impacts of Nanoplastics on Plant Growth, Photosynthesis, and Oxidative Stress
3.3. Impacts of Nanoplastics on the Fruit Quality
3.4. Impacts of Nanoplastics on the Genetics
4. Conclusions and Future Directions
- (1)
- The effects of various microplastics and nanoplastics on tomato crop germination, growth, and productivity have been studied, but most studies have primarily focused on microplastics. Consequently, there is a critical need for more comprehensive investigations on the impacts of nanoplastics on tomato cultivation, as they pose greater risks due to their extremely small size, which allows them to penetrate and move within plant tissues. Nanoplastics can enter roots and stomata, accumulate in leaves and fruits, and disrupt vital physiological processes. In addition, accumulation in fruits compromises both quality and safety, increasing the risk of transfer through the food chain and potential impacts on human health.
- (2)
- Although various studies have investigated the effects of microplastics on tomato crops, most experiments have been conducted under controlled conditions that may not accurately reflect real agricultural environments. Consequently, there is a pressing need to evaluate the impact of microplastics under more realistic conditions, including field settings with natural soil compositions, fluctuating environmental factors, and interactions with other biotic and abiotic stresses. Studying microplastic effects in such realistic contexts will provide a more accurate understanding of their influence on germination, growth, productivity, and fruit quality, ultimately informing strategies to mitigate their risks in sustainable tomato cultivation.
- (3)
- To thoroughly assess the impact of microplastics and nanoplastics on tomato cultivation, long-term field studies are particularly important to capture realistic environmental conditions, seasonal variations, and cumulative effects of plastic particles in soil and plant systems. Also, the development and implementation of standardized protocols for exposure concentrations, particle characterization (size, shape, and polymer type), and evaluation metrics (germination, growth, yield, and fruit quality) are crucial. Such approaches will ensure reproducibility, comparability, and reliability of results, providing a robust foundation for risk assessment and mitigation strategies in tomato production.
- (4)
- The impacts of various microplastics at different concentrations have been investigated in relation to germination, growth, and overall production of tomato crops. However, research addressing the effects of microplastics on fruit development and quality remains limited. Therefore, comprehensive studies focusing on fruits are essential to better understand how microplastics influence yield, nutritional value, and safety, which are critical for both agricultural productivity and human health.
- (5)
- The impact of microplastics at different concentrations has been widely evaluated in tomato cultivation. While most studies report negative effects on plant growth, development, and productivity, some research has highlighted positive effects under certain conditions, suggesting that microplastics may influence plant physiology in complex ways. These findings indicate that the response of tomato plants to microplastics likely depends on multiple factors, including particle type, size, concentration, and even environmental conditions such as soil type and nutrient availability. Consequently, there is a critical need to conduct more detailed and systematic studies that examine the specific characteristics of microplastics—such as their chemical composition, morphology, and surface properties—as these factors may strongly influence their interactions with plant roots, nutrient uptake, stress responses, and ultimately crop growth and fruit quality. Expanding research in this direction will help clarify the mechanisms underlying these effects and provide guidance for sustainable agricultural management in environments increasingly contaminated by microplastics.
- (6)
- This review examines the effects of microplastics and nanoplastics on multiple stages of tomato cultivation, including seed germination, vegetative growth, fruit development, and harvest. The widespread application of plastic-derived materials in agriculture—such as mulch films, irrigation infrastructure, and packaging—has raised increasing concerns regarding their persistence, accumulation, and potential ecological and food safety risks. Evidence suggests that these particles can alter soil physicochemical properties, disrupt plant physiological processes, and contribute to the transfer of contaminants into the food chain. Consequently, the implementation of stricter regulations and standardized protocols for the use, management, and disposal of plastic materials in agricultural systems is imperative to ensure crop yield, environmental integrity, and long-term sustainability.
Author Contributions
Funding
Conflicts of Interest
References
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Type | Size (μm) | Concentrations (mg L−1) | Impacts | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
Polyethylene | 0.79–4.999 | 10, 100, and 1000 | Microplastics did not affect the germination percentage of tomato seeds in any concentration. | [41] |
Polyethylene | 75.37 ± 17.55 | 10, 100, 500, and 1000 | At concentrations of 10 and 500 mg L−1, the germination percentage of tomato seeds was significantly lower compared to the control treatment. There was no significant difference in the other two treatments. | [42] |
Polyethylene | 241.97 ± 81.55 | 10, 100, 500, and 1000 | At concentrations of 10, 100, and 500 mg L−1 significantly inhibited germination percentage and at 1000 mg L−1, it showed no significant difference. | [42] |
Polyethylene | 60–600 | 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 * | Microplastics do not inhibit germination, although they do delay it, since between 4 and 6 days of exposure, the inhibition rate in germination varied between the different concentrations of microplastics; however, after 7 days of exposure, the germination rate was uniform in all treatments. The germination index during 10 days of exposure was reduced by 3, 15, 18, and 19% at 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1% of microplastics, respectively. | [43] |
Polyethylene | 60 | 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 * | The germination rate was significantly reduced between 4 and 7 days after being exposed to exposure to microplastics. However, after 8 days, no significant difference was observed. The germination rate 10 days after sowing was greater than 90% in all treatments. | [44] |
Polypropylene | 88.11 ± 28.53 | 10, 100, 500, and 1000 | Seeds exposed to treatment with microplastics at a concentration of 10 mg L−1 had the lowest germination percentage (71.67%). In the other treatments, there were no significant differences. | [42] |
Polypropylene | 273.52 ± 111.69 | 10, 100, 500, and 1000 | At 10, 100, and 500 mg L−1, the germination percentages were low; however, at 1000 mg L−1, there was no significant impact. | [42] |
Polypropylene | <500 | 100 | Microplastics did not significantly affect seed germination over the control group. | [45] |
Polystyrene | 52.48 ± 20.93 | 10, 100, 500, and 1000 | Microplastics at concentrations of 100 and 500 mg L−1 significantly inhibited germination percentage compared to the control treatment. At 10 and 1000 mg L−1, no significant differences were found. | [42] |
Polystyrene | 368.13 ± 127.11 | 10, 100, 500, and 1000 | In all treatments, the germination percentage was lower compared to the control treatment. However, there was no significant statistical difference. | [42] |
Polystyrene | 75 | 1, 5, and 10 * | Microplastics at 1 and 5% reduced the germination index by 20% while at 10% there was no difference with the control. | [46] |
Polyethylene terephthalate | 75 | 1, 5, and 10 * | Microplastics at 1 and 5% reduced the germination index by 30% while at 10% the reduction is 20%. | [46] |
Nylon | 75 | 1, 5, and 10 * | Microplastics reduced the germination index in all treatments, in particular at 1% it showed a 40% reduction. | [46] |
Type | Size (μm) | Concentrations (% of Microplastic in Ratio to the Soil (w/w)) | Exposure Time (Days) | Impacts | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Polyethylene | <5000 | 0.4, 2.4, 4.4, 6.4, and 8.4 | 91 | Compared to the control, weekly height increments and dry weights (g per pot) of shoot and root after 13 weeks demonstrated a concentration-dependent growth decline. | [50] |
Polyethylene | 50–200 | 0.02 and 0.2 | 21 | Shoot and root biomass were significantly reduced with both microplastic concentrations in relation to the control group. | [51] |
Polypropylene | 50–200 | 0.02 and 0.2 | 21 | Compared to the control group, shoot biomass was significantly reduced with both microplastic concentrations. Root biomass was reduced by only 0.2%. | [51] |
Polypropylene | 4000 | 0.4, 1.0, and 2.0 | 45 | Plant height, number of leaves, and girth diameter were significantly affected at 1 and 2%. With 0.4% there was no difference with the control except in lower leaf numbers and higher biomass. | [52] |
Polystyrene | 75 | 1, 5, and 10 | 42 | All treatments reduced root and shoot length compared to the control treatment. While the leaf area index increased in all concentrations. | [46] |
Polyvinyl chloride | 40–50 | 0.5 | 105 | Microplastics had a significant effect on the fresh weight of shoots, which was lower in relation to the control treatment. | [53] |
Polyvinyl chloride | 1–150 | 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 | 30 | It was observed that as the concentration of microplastics increased, shoot length decreased significantly compared to the control treatment; at the 10% concentration, it was reduced by 57%. The same was true for the variables of leaf area and plant fresh and dry weight. High doses of microplastics increased calcium, manganese, and iron concentrations in leaves and stems; however, significant reductions in other essential nutrients, such as magnesium and zinc, were present, especially in the roots. | [54] |
Polyethylene terephthalate | <5000 | 0.4, 2.4, 4.4, 6.4, and 8.4 | 91 | Compared to the control, weekly average height increments and dry weights (g per pot) of shoot and root after 13 weeks demonstrated a concentration-dependent growth decline. At the same time, the root/shoot ratio after 13 weeks showed a significant increase, at 0.4 and 2.4% of microplastics. | [50] |
Polyethylene terephthalate | 40–50 | 0.5 | 105 | There were no significant differences in leaf area with respect to the control treatment. | [53] |
Polyethylene terephthalate | 75 | 1, 5, and 10 | 42 | Shoot length was reduced in all concentrations. The root length was reduced at 5 and 10% concentrations. While the leaf area was reduced at a 10% concentration. | [46] |
Nylon | 75 | 1, 5, and 10 | 42 | Compared with the control treatment, all treatments reduced root length and leaf area index. The shoot length only was reduced at a 10% concentration. | [46] |
Polyhydroxyalkanoate | ~100 | 0.1 and 1 | 60 | Seedlings exposed to 1% concentration did not survive. At 0.1% concentration, there was no significant difference in shoot biomass and plant height with respect to the control treatment. | [55] |
Polylactic acid | ~100 | 0.1 and 1 | 60 | Seedlings exposed to 1% concentration showed a significant reduction in shoot biomass and plant height compared with the control. At 0.1% there was no significant difference. | [55] |
Poly(butylene succinate-co-butylene adipate) | ~100 | 0.1 and 1 | 60 | Seedlings exposed to microplastic treatment at both concentrations did not show significant changes in shoot biomass and height compared to the control. | [55] |
Poly(butylene-adipate-co-terephthalate) | ~100 | 0.1 and 1 | 60 | There was no significant difference for the variables shoot biomass and plant height in the treatments with microplastics, compared to the control. | [55] |
Polypropylene + Polyethylene + Polystyrene | 1000–5000 | 1 | 50 | When comparing the control treatment with the various concentrations of microplastics, no significant differences were obtained in the variables evaluated (plant height, number of leaves, number of fruits, root length, root surface area, and root volume). | [56] |
Polypropylene + Polyester + Polyamide | 4000 | 0.4, 1.0, and 2.0 | 45 | The number of leaves showed a notable reduction in cultures with 2% mixed microplastics, while at 0.4%, biomass and leaf area were higher than control. | [52] |
Polypropylene + Polyethylene + Polyethylene terephthalate + Polystyrene + Polyamide + acrylic + Polyurethane | <5000 | 0.1 and 1 | 80 | Treatments with high additions of microplastics significantly increased the total biomass (aboveground and belowground) compared to the control group; however, colonization of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi decreased. | [57] |
Type | Size (μm) | Concentrations (mg L−1) | Exposure Time (Days) | Impacts | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Polyethylene | 11.15 ± 3.32 | 0.1 and 1.0 | 14 | The transpiration rate of plants exposed to 1.0 mg L−1 of microplastic significantly decreased by 46.74% compared with the control. The stomatal conductance significantly reduced for both concentrations. | [61] |
Polyethylene | 59.84 ± 24.88 | 0.1 and 1.0 | 14 | The net photosynthetic rate of plants was not significantly affected by microplastics. | [61] |
Polyethylene | 60 | 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 * | 10 | Photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance significantly declined while concentration increased, regardless of the crop growth stages. The maximum reduction was observed during the fruiting stage. During the vegetative, flowering, fruiting, and harvest stages, a maximum reduction in chlorophyll ‘a’, chlorophyll ‘b’, total chlorophyll content, and carotenoid was observed at 1% concentration. | [44] |
Polyethylene | 150 | 0.02 and 0.2 * | 7 | Exposure to microplastics significantly reduces chlorophyll content. | [62] |
Polypropylene | 10.29 ± 3.87 | 0.1 and 1.0 | 14 | The stomatal conductance of plants was significantly reduced by 44.84% for the concentration of 1.0 mg L−1 | [61] |
Polypropylene | 57.86 ± 17.21 | 0.1 and 1.0 | 14 | Exposure to microplastics had no significant effect on the photosynthetic rate at both concentrations. | [61] |
Polypropylene | 150 | 0.02 and 0.2 * | 7 | Exposure to microplastics significantly reduces chlorophyll content. | [62] |
Polystyrene | 5.23 ± 1.07 | 0.1 and 1.0 | 14 | Microplastic exposure increased stomatal conductance and stimulated leaf transpiration. | [61] |
Polystyrene | 63.06 ± 17.36 | 0.1 and 1.0 | 14 | Exposure to microplastics had no significant effect on the photosynthetic rate or stomatal conductance at both concentrations | [61] |
Polystyrene | 75 | 1, 5 and 10 *. | 42 | Compared to the control treatment, all treatments reduced Chlorophyll, particularly at 1 and 10%. | [46] |
Polyvinyl chloride | 40–50 | 0.5 * | 105 | Plants treated with microplastics showed lower chlorophyll contents compared to the control group, only in weeks 4, 6, and 8. | [53] |
Polyvinyl chloride | 1–150 | 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 * | 30 | Microplastics caused a significant decrease in light-harvesting pigments, chlorophylls, and carotenoids. For example, the content of chlorophyll a significantly decreased by 24% at 10% concentration. | [54] |
Polyethylene terephthalate | 40–50 | 0.5 * | 105 | Plants treated with microplastics showed lower chlorophyll contents throughout the experiment compared to the control group. | [53] |
Polyethylene terephthalate | 75 | 1, 5, and 10 *. | 42 | Total chlorophyll decreased compared to the control treatment, impacting poor plant growth. | [46] |
Nylon | 75 | 1, 5, and 10 * | 42 | Total chlorophyll content decreased at 5 and 10% concentrations. | [46] |
Polyhydroxyalkanoate | ~100 | 0.1 and 1 * | 60 | Seedlings exposed to microplastics at a concentration of 1.0% did not survive, while those exposed to a concentration of 0.1% showed a significant reduction in chlorophyll content and composition. Element content analysis in tomato leaves showed that the content of total carbon, total nitrogen, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, potassium, and calcium was lower compared to the control. | [55] |
Polylactic acid | ~100 | 0.1 and 1 * | 60 | Treatment with 1% concentration significantly reduced the chlorophyll content, while the composition significantly increased. The content of total carbon, total nitrogen, sodium, magnesium, potassium, and calcium decreased at the concentration of 0.1%; however, the content of phosphorus increased significantly. | [55] |
Poly(butylene succinate-co-butylene adipate) | ~100 | 0.1 and 1 * | 60 | Microplastics at both concentrations significantly decreased chlorophyll content with respect to the control; however, composition increased considerably. The phosphorus content decreased significantly at 0.1% concentration; on the contrary, at 1% concentration, it increased significantly. | [55] |
Poly(butylene-adipate-co-terephthalate) | ~100 | 0.1 and 1 * | 60 | A 1% concentration significantly decreased the chlorophyll content with respect to the control. The phosphorus and potassium content increased in the 0.1% concentration exposure, while in the 1% treatment, the phosphorus content decreased significantly. | [55] |
Polypropylene + Polyethylene + Polystyrene | 1000–5000 | 1 * | 50 | Physiological parameters such as chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, and photosynthetic rate were slightly higher than those of the control group. However, they were not significant. | [56] |
Type | Size (μm) | Concentrations (mg L−1) | Exposure Time (Days) | Impacts | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Polyethylene | 75.37 ± 17.55 | 10, 100, 500, and 1000 | 7 | Superoxide dismutase activity had no significant effect. Catalase and peroxidase activities decreased significantly in the 500 and 1000 mg L−1 treatments, while malondialdehyde content increased significantly at these same concentrations. | [42] |
Polyethylene | 241.97 ± 81.55 | 10, 100, 500, and 1000 | 7 | Superoxide dismutase activity had no significant effect. Catalase and peroxidase activities decreased as microplastic concentration increased. Malondialdehyde content increased proportionally to microplastic concentrations. | [42] |
Polyethylene | 11.15 ± 3.32 | 0.1 and 1.0 * | 14 | Malondialdehyde and peroxidase contents increased significantly with high concentrations of microplastics; superoxide dismutase activity was significantly reduced, while catalase activity increased considerably in relation to the control group. | [61] |
Polyethylene | 59.84 ± 24.88 | 0.1 and 1.0 * | 14 | Both concentrations reduced the superoxide dismutase activity of roots compared with the control, while no significant changes in peroxidase activity were observed. | [61] |
Polyethylene | 60 | 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 * | 10 | Microplastics considerably escalated the superoxide dismutase, ascorbic acid, Malondialdehyde, and proline activity at all growth stages. Exposure to 1.00% microplastics showed an increase in peroxidase and catalase activities. | [44] |
Polyethylene | 150 | 0.02 and 0.2 * | 7 | Exposure to high concentrations of microplastics significantly increased peroxidase activity and decreased acid phosphatase and acid protease activities. | [52] |
Polyethylene | 50–200 | 0.02 and 0.2 * | 21 | No significant differences were observed in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, or ascorbate peroxidase when compared to the control group. | [51] |
Polypropylene | 88.11 ± 28.53 | 10, 100, 500, and 1000 | 7 | At concentrations of 500 and 1000 mg L−1, catalase activity was significantly decreased. There was no significant effect on superoxide dismutase, peroxidase activities, or malondialdehyde content. | [42] |
Polypropylene | 273.52 ± 111.69 | 10, 100, 500, and 1000 | 7 | Concentrations of 500 and 1000 mg L−1 had a significant effect on catalase activity, compared to the control group. Malondialdehyde content increased significantly at concentrations of 500 and 1000 mg L−1. | [42] |
Polypropylene | 10.29 ± 3.87 | 0.1 and 1.0 | 14 | Treatments had no significant effect on malondialdehyde content in tomato roots and leaves, compared to the control group; however, they reduced the superoxide dismutase activity of roots, while no significant changes in peroxidase activity were observed. | [61] |
Polypropylene | 57.86 ± 17.21 | 0.1 and 1.0 | 14 | The contents of hydrogen peroxide in tomato leaves and roots treated decreased significantly at 0.1 mg L−1. | [61] |
Polypropylene | 150 | 0.02 and 0.2 * | 7 | Exposure to high concentrations of microplastics significantly increased peroxidase activity and decreased acid phosphatase and acid protease activities in relation to the control group. | [62] |
Polypropylene | 50–200 | 0.02 and 0.2 * | 21 | No significant differences were observed in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, or ascorbate peroxidase when compared to the control group. | [51] |
Polystyrene | 52.48 ± 20.93 | 10, 100, 500, and 1000 | 7 | Microplastics significantly reduced the activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase with respect to control, while the malonaldehyde content increased. | [42] |
Polystyrene | 368.13 ± 127.11 | 10, 100, 500, and 1000 | 7 | Compared to the control group, the activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase decreased significantly, while malondialdehyde levels showed a marked increase. | [42] |
Polystyrene | 5.23 ± 1.07 | 0.1 and 1.0 | 14 | Exposure to a concentration of 1 mg L−1 increased the contents of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide. Superoxide dismutase activity decreased, while catalase activity increased, and peroxidase showed no changes. | [61] |
Polystyrene | 63.06 ± 17.36 | 0.1 and 1.0 | 14 | Hydrogen peroxide content in the root decreased significantly at the low concentration. Superoxide dismutase activity decreased at the highest microplastic concentration. | [61] |
Polyvinyl chloride | 1–150 | 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 * | 30 | Exposure at a 10% concentration resulted in a significant increase in reactive oxygen species levels (up to 36%) and lipid peroxidation (up to 52%) relative to the control group. | [54] |
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Hernández-Sánchez, L.; Cruz-López, V.; Herrera-Rivera, R.; Solis-Pomar, F.; Navarro-Antonio, J.; Cruz-Martínez, H. Impacts of Microplastics and Nanoplastics on Tomato Crops: A Critical Review. Environments 2025, 12, 328. https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12090328
Hernández-Sánchez L, Cruz-López V, Herrera-Rivera R, Solis-Pomar F, Navarro-Antonio J, Cruz-Martínez H. Impacts of Microplastics and Nanoplastics on Tomato Crops: A Critical Review. Environments. 2025; 12(9):328. https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12090328
Chicago/Turabian StyleHernández-Sánchez, Laura, Vianii Cruz-López, Rosario Herrera-Rivera, Francisco Solis-Pomar, José Navarro-Antonio, and Heriberto Cruz-Martínez. 2025. "Impacts of Microplastics and Nanoplastics on Tomato Crops: A Critical Review" Environments 12, no. 9: 328. https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12090328
APA StyleHernández-Sánchez, L., Cruz-López, V., Herrera-Rivera, R., Solis-Pomar, F., Navarro-Antonio, J., & Cruz-Martínez, H. (2025). Impacts of Microplastics and Nanoplastics on Tomato Crops: A Critical Review. Environments, 12(9), 328. https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12090328