Efforts to pass laws protecting the environment from microplastics rely heavily on the production of scientific evidence proving how microplastics contaminate our water, soils, plants, and food crops. Providing the science to support protectiion of our environment is the research focus of Stockbridge Director and University Distinguished Professor Baoshan Xing.
Together with a team of international colleagues, Xing published important work in the prestigious journal Environmental Science & Technology (ES&T). Their article, "Toxicity Mechanisms of Nanoplastics on Crop Growth, Interference of Phyllosphere Microbes, and Evidence for Foliar Penetration and Translocation," has now been recognized by ES&T as a runner up in their Awards for Best Paper in 2024.
As an indication of its importance, Xing's paper has already been cited by more than 100 allied researchers building on the breakthroughs provided by this research.
The article found that positively charged nanoplastics caused more pronounced physiological effects, including growth inhibition, increased antioxidant enzyme activity, and altered gene expression and metabolite composition, and even significantly changed the structure and composition of the phyllosphere microbial community. Postively charged nanoplastics showed greater ability to penetrate leaves and translocate to plant roots.
The findings demonstrate that nanoplastics accumulation in crops can negatively impact agricultural production and food safety.
"Environmental, health, and climate science must be objective and resilient," states ES&T in their announcement of the awards. "Science has the power to shape policy, protect human health and the environment, and drive real-world solutions. The work we recognize today does just that."
This latest award for Xing's research recognizes its "excellence in rigor, novelty, and impact... offering new insights and practical pathways across a range of urgent topics: climate change, air and water quality, chemical fate and transport, and sustainable technologies."
The award from ES&T represents "a reaffirmation of our shared purpose: to pursue truth with discipline, to elevate knowledge with care, and to ensure that environmental science continues to serve the public good."
For over 150 years, Stockbridge has been committed to the same mission, providing research to assist the development of positive agricultural outcomes. Stockbridge students are taught by world-class researchers, and have the opportunity to participate in faculty-led research projects.