Microplastics hinder plant photosynthesis, study finds, threatening millions with starvation

The world’s staple crops such as wheat, maize and rice are under threat from pervasive particles. Photograph: jodie777/Getty Images/iStockphoto

The pollution of the planet by microplastics is significantly cutting food supplies by damaging the ability of plants to photosynthesise, according to a new assessment.

The analysis estimates that between 4% and 14% of the world’s staple crops of wheat, rice and maize is being lost due to the pervasive particles. It could get even worse, the scientists said, as more microplastics pour into the environment.