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Microplastics in agriculture: Hidden soil contaminants, sustainability risks and policy pathways
Summary
This review pulls together existing research showing that plastic farm equipment—like mulch films and coated fertilizers—breaks down over time into tiny plastic bits called microplastics that build up in soil. These particles can carry toxic metals, harmful chemicals, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, potentially contaminating groundwater and working their way into our food supply, yet current regulations worldwide aren't strong enough to address the problem. While scientists are testing cleanup methods like special filters and soil-friendly bacteria, more action is needed to keep these contaminants out of the food we eat.
Microplastics (MPs) are increasingly identified as a ‘hidden’ pollutant in agricultural soils, impacting sustainability and environmental resilience. Mulch films, irrigation systems and polymer-coated fertilizers have significantly improved agricultural systems, but because they are designed to persist longer, they pose ecological hazards and gradually break down into microplastics (<5 mm) and nano-plastics (<1 μm). MPs have therefore, been detected as notable vectors for heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and antibiotic-resistant genes through pathways such as agricultural materials, sewage sludge, and wastewater irrigation. Elevated MP levels affect the physico-chemical and biological properties of soil. These overlooked yet substantial changes may have an imperative consequence for groundwater and the overall food chain, ultimately jeopardizing long-term agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. Regulatory frameworks around the world remain poorly integrated. The EU Circular Economy Strategy , U.S. state-level monitoring , New Zealand stewardship schemes , India “ the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2024” and “ China's Agricultural Film Recycling Action Plan ” are important steps in the right direction; however, regulation of agricultural sources remains insufficient. Mitigation strategies include the porous surfaces of biochar for MP entrapment, GAC filtration, enhanced pre-ozonation techniques, as well as innovative nanotechnology-based composites, phytoremediation, and microbe- and enzyme-based remediation. Notwithstanding, these strategies demonstrate potential efficiencies; however, operational barriers at a large-scale and integration with sustainable soil management practices still persist. Without effective mitigation and regulatory frameworks, progressive build-up of MPs in agroecosystems may have ecotoxicological risk for soil ecosystem functioning and sustainable food and agricultural systems.