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Phytoremediation of Agricultural Microplastics: Clean Water, Clean Food

CSEF · 2026 Environmental Engineering (Track 2) (Junior Division)

Lana Finley

Overview

Microplastic and nanoplastic (MNPs) pollution negatively impacts ecosystems and biodiversity. MNPs found in agricultural irrigation and soil results in uptake and accumulation in our food crops, ultimately threatening human health. I hypothesized that the hydrophyte Eichhornia crassipes (Common water hyacinth) could potentially be utilized in agricultural aqueducts to filter out MNPs and reduce crop uptake. Six similar size and age plants were exposed to two different concentrations [(1x=50 mg/L , 2x=100 mg/L) of surrogate particles: colloidal silica (20nm) and Aluminum oxide (1-1.5 um)] over an exposure period of 7 and 14 days. Roots were harvested and analyzed under 40x light microscopy (n=10 roots/plant) to quantify MNP uptake. Crossed polarization revealed negative birefringence which enhanced and facilitated counts. Roots were observed to uptake a massive number of both types of MNPs over time. Accumulation increased over longer time periods and at higher MNP concentrations. The 7d 1x roots took up a significantly lower number of MNPs compared with the other groups (p=0.00013). Eichhornia crassipes is unique due to its massive hair-like root surface area, low cost and hardiness. It has previously been demonstrated in one study to uptake microplastics. I hypothesized that it could be utilized as a natural filter for agricultural water supplies to sustainably reduce crop contamination. My experiment demonstrated that different concentrations of MNPs were effectively removed from the water over different time periods. These findings could potentially be applied at scale to reduce agricultural contamination, and subsequent human consumption.

Competition history

  • CSEF 2026 Environmental Engineering (Track 2) (Junior Division) · Entry J-12-21

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