Soil-applied polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) remain cortically confined but trigger systemic oxidative and metabolic disruption in Zea mays L. seedlings

Key Points

• Systemic oxidative and metabolic disruption occurs in seedlings exposed to polystyrene nanoplastics in soil,
• Oxidative stress markers increased significantly with nanoplastic exposure, indicating potential harm to plant health.
• Analysis involving Zea mays seedlings shows the effects of soil-applied polystyrene nanoplastics on their growth and metabolism.
• Findings highlight the environmental risks of using polystyrene nanoplastics in agriculture and the need for further investigation.