Plastic isn’t just clogging oceans—it’s choking plants too. 🌱⁠ ⁠ Scientists at Nanjing University reviewed 157 studies and found “strong and consistent” drops in chlorophyll levels when plants are exposed to microplastics. Less chlorophyll = less photosynthesis = weaker plants.⁠ ⁠ The numbers are staggering. Microplastics may already be costing us:⁠ • 60 million tons of rice⁠ • 76 million tons of wheat⁠ • 109 million tons of corn⁠ ⁠ That’s nearly 10% of global crop yields—gone. And because algae are affected too, seafood production could take a hit.⁠ ⁠ The researchers didn’t mince words: “These findings underscore the urgency of integrating plastic mitigation into global hunger and sustainability initiatives.”⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #microplastics #photosynthesis #agriculture #AHSgardening #AmericanGardener