Microplastics are harming photosynthesis in plants

Tiny pieces of plastic can reduce photosynthesis by up to 18%, says a new report. By interfering with light absorption, damaging the soils in which plants grow and inducing ‘oxidative stress’ in the plants. Reduced photosynthesis can hamper crops’ ability to grow and flourish and it could put 400 million more people at risk of starvation in the next 25 years, say the study’s authors, by reducing yields of staple crops and seafood.