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Microplastics in agriculture: Hidden soil contaminants, sustainability risks and policy pathways
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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.
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Microplastics in agricultural landscapes: assessment of environmental risks and systemic approaches to sustainable management
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Tiny plastic bits are building up in farm soil from sources like plastic mulch films, sewage sludge, coated fertilizers, and contaminated irrigation water — and this review pulls together existing research to map out how that pollution spreads and what risks it poses. The concern for your health: these microplastics can disrupt soil health and potentially work their way up the food chain into what we eat, though more monitoring is needed to fully understand the danger. The paper mainly argues for better tracking systems and stricter regulations (similar to EU standards) to catch this problem before it grows.
The hidden burden of microplastics in soils: sources, impacts, and sustainable solutions – a review
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This review pulls together existing research on how tiny plastic particles (microplastics) are building up in farm soils—coming from sources like plastic mulch, wastewater, and sewage sludge used as fertilizer. These particles can harm soil microbes and disrupt nutrient cycles that crops depend on, which matters because it ties directly to our food supply and the plastic content of the food we eat. The authors note that scientists still need better tools to detect microplastics and stronger policies to clean up and prevent this pollution before it becomes a bigger problem for food security.
Microplastics in agricultural soils, their sources, environmental impacts, ecological risks, and mitigation strategies
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Tiny plastic bits are building up in farm soil from sources like plastic mulch, sewage-based fertilizers, and irrigation water, and this review of existing research shows they can mess with soil's ability to hold water and nutrients while also acting as hitchhikers for heavy metals, pesticides, and harmful germs. Since this soil grows our food, contaminated farmland could mean these pollutants—and the microplastics themselves—end up on our plates. The good news: solutions like biodegradable farm materials, natural soil additives, and better monitoring could help curb the problem if adopted widely.
Microplastic contamination from agricultural plastic waste: Soil microbiome disruption and cascading food chain risks-A systematic review
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The plastic used in farming (mulch films, greenhouse covers, etc.) breaks down into tiny microplastic particles that build up in soil, and this review of over 130 studies shows these particles harm the beneficial bacteria soil needs to stay healthy and cycle nutrients properly. Even more concerning, researchers found these microplastics turning up in common foods like rice, wheat, leafy greens, milk, and meat—meaning what starts as plastic waste in a farm field may end up on your dinner plate. The review calls for more research and stronger regulations, since we still don't fully understand the health risks of eating these particles
Microplastics in Agricultural Soils: An Emerging Threat to Soil Health, Microbial Ecology, Crop Productivity, and Food Safety
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This review examines how microplastics accumulate in agricultural soils from sources like plastic mulch, sewage sludge, and atmospheric deposition. Researchers found that these particles can disrupt soil microbial communities, harm plant health, and potentially enter the human food chain. The study highlights the urgent need for mitigation strategies to address this growing but often overlooked form of pollution in farmland.
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