Can vegetables absorb microplastics from contaminated soil and water?

What's actually in it

Farmland receives microplastics from plastic mulch, sewage sludge, contaminated irrigation water, and airborne plastic particles. Once in the soil, these tiny plastic fragments can be taken up by plant roots. Leafy greens, root vegetables, and fruits all have the potential to absorb microplastics directly into their tissue.

What the research says

A 2026 review in J Agric Food Chem examined the evidence on microplastic uptake by vegetables. The review confirmed that vegetables can absorb microplastics from soil, though the amounts vary by crop type, soil conditions, and plastic size. Root vegetables and leafy greens showed the highest uptake.

Unlike microplastics on the surface of food, which you can sometimes wash off, particles absorbed into the plant tissue can't be removed by washing. This means that even thoroughly washed vegetables may still contain internal microplastics.

Buy produce from farms that avoid plastic mulch and sewage sludge fertilizer. Organic farms are less likely to use these practices. Grow your own vegetables in clean soil, and avoid using plastic containers as planters for edible gardens.