Beware .. plastic in vegetables! A scientific discovery threatens the safety of your food

In a serious and concerning scientific development, a recent study has revealed for the first time that nanoplastic particles (Nanoplastics) can infiltrate the edible parts of vegetables, opening a new chapter in the invisible food contamination that directly threatens human health.

The study was published in the Environmental Research journal and conducted by a research team from the University of Plymouth in the UK, making it the first study to provide direct scientific evidence of the transfer of plastic particles from the environment to plant food.

The researchers relied on the radish plant as an agricultural model, where they grew it in a hydroponic system and then exposed its roots to a solution containing tiny particles of nanoplastic polystyrene, labeled with a radioactive carbon element.

Some of these particles have a diameter of less than one millionth of a centimeter.

After just five days, about 5% of the plastic particles infiltrated the plant, equivalent to millions of particles.

25% of these particles accumulated in the edible roots.

While 10% of them reached the leaves.

Dr. Nathaniel Clark, a lecturer in physiology at the University of Plymouth and the lead author of the study, explained that plants typically have a protective layer known as the "Casparian Strip" (Casparian Strip) in their roots, which acts as a natural filter preventing harmful substances from entering.

However, he added with a notable warning:

"This is the first time we have scientifically proven that nanoplastic particles can penetrate this vital barrier and accumulate within plant tissues. There is no indication that this phenomenon is limited to radishes alone."

This discovery adds a serious dimension to previous research on plastic pollution, as microplastics have been found in marine organisms such as fish and mollusks.

Now, the risks have extended to plants that humans consume daily, meaning that both humans and animals are now at risk of consuming plastic from multiple food sources.

Professor Richard Thompson, director of the marine plastic pollution research unit at the university and one of the study participants, commented:

"It was not surprising to find plastic in plants, as we have found it everywhere before. But what is new here is the clear evidence that these particles reach the plant food we consume. This is an important development in our understanding of the potential impacts on human health."

Although the precise health effects of consuming nanoplastics are still not fully understood, scientists warn of the potential for these particles to accumulate within the human body over the long term, which could lead to chronic diseases or dysfunctions in vital organs.

It is worth noting that the University of Plymouth, a leader in microplastic research, has been tracking these particles for over 20 years in all environments: from the ocean floor to the summit of Mount Everest.

Today, studies confirm that the path from the environment to the human table has become shorter than we imagine!

The answer _according to this study_ is yes, and the danger is not limited to fish or the sea, but has now reached fresh vegetables.

While more research is needed to understand the health effects, the current results raise a significant question mark about the safety of our daily food.