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Microplastic distribution and risk assessment in soil environment across Asian regions
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Scientists analyzed nearly 130 studies to map microplastic pollution in soil across Asia, finding the highest concentrations in industrial, urban, and farm soils—especially in Southeast Asia—likely because of heavy human activity and plastic waste in these areas. This matters because these plastics can build up in the dirt where our food is grown, potentially working their way into crops and, eventually, our diets, making soil pollution an overlooked piece of the microplastic health puzzle.
Plastic pollution has emerged as a growing global environmental problem in recent years. As a major region for plastic production and consumption, Asia is at the forefront of this challenge. Although multiple studies have focused on microplastic (MP) pollution in aquatic systems in the region, understanding of their distribution characteristics and ecological impacts in terrestrial ecosystems remains limited, particularly at an intercontinental scale. In addition, standardized ecological risk assessment methods and predictive frameworks for soil microplastics (MPs) remain lacking. This study investigated the spatiotemporal distribution of MP pollution in Asian countries, focusing on the differences between various regions in terms of quantity density, morphological characteristics (shape, size, and color), and land-use types. By integrating data from 128 studies published between 2018 and 2025, totaling 3370 sampling points, a comprehensive database was constructed to reveal the MP distribution patterns and potential risks. The analysis found significant spatial heterogeneity in Asian regions, with higher concentrations found in South Eastern Asia (8227.55 items/kg), Eastern Asia (3122.73 items/kg), and Southern Asia (2407.07 items/kg). The highest quantity densities of MPs were found in industrial and urban soils (4995.2 and 4359.6 items/kg), followed by agricultural soils (2812.8 items/kg), shedding light on the influence of intensive human activities and plastic inputs. In terms of morphological characteristics, fragments, fibers, and films shaped MPs predominated in most soils, with white, transparent, and black particles being the most common. Moreover, the analysis suggested possible vertical migration and gradual accumulation of MPs within soil profiles. Based on spatial distribution and morphological characteristics, this study evaluated the ecological risk using pollution load index and potential ecological risk index suggesting that certain regions may exhibit comparatively higher reported risk levels under the present assessment framework, particularly in Viet Nam, Indonesia, India, Iran, Bangladesh, and China, based on the currently available dataset. Lastly, machine learning models were applied for preliminary classification of soil MP ecological risk levels, with the random forest model showing the highest accuracy (99.5%), followed by GBDT (98.6%) and KNN (88.4%). This study provides spatial evidence for risk-oriented and predictive assessment of soil MP pollution across Asia and offers data support for future management and policy interventions.
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Global concentrations of microplastic in soils, a review
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Tiny plastic particles called microplastics are showing up in soils around the world, and this study rounds up existing research to see how much is out there, especially in farmland. This matters because soil is where our food grows, so understanding microplastic buildup there is an important step toward figuring out if it could end up in our meals and affect our health. Note that this paper mainly organizes what scientists already know rather than presenting brand-new findings.
The distribution and characteristics of soil microplastics pollution: Evidences from different land use
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Scientists tested soil from farmland, tree plantations, roadside greenery, and forests in a mountainous region of China, finding that plantations and roadside soil had far more tiny plastic bits than natural forest soil, likely from plastic mulch, fertilizers, and traffic pollution. Since these microplastics can work their way into crops, groundwater, and eventually our food and water supply, understanding where they build up most helps identify where cleanup and prevention efforts (like reducing plastic mulch use) would make the biggest difference for both soil health and human exposure.
Soil Microplastic Pollution Across Terrestrial Ecosystems: A Review of Sources, Distribution Patterns, Polymer Types and Environmental Implications
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Tiny plastic bits from things like farm mulch, car tires, and trash are building up in soil everywhere—farms, cities, and even forests—and the smallest pieces can sink deep into the ground where they're more likely to be taken up by plants and soil organisms. This matters for us because these plastics can enter the food we grow, and this review (a summary of many existing studies) shows scientists still don't fully understand the long-term health and environmental risks, meaning better plastic recycling and management are urgently needed.
Microplastics in soil: A review on methods, occurrence, sources, and potential risk
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This review summarizes what is known about microplastic contamination in soils worldwide, covering detection methods, sources, and potential risks. Microplastics are found in soils on every continent studied, though research in Africa, South America, and Oceania remains scarce. The review highlights that microplastics accumulate in soil over time and can interact with other pollutants, potentially affecting soil health and the safety of food crops.
Terrestrial Microplastic Pollution: Occurrence, Fate, and Ecological Effects on Soil Systems
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Researchers synthesized evidence on microplastic occurrence across land uses — croplands, urban areas, industrial zones, and remote environments — finding consistently higher concentrations near intensive human activity, vertical enrichment in topsoils, and widespread ecological effects on soil structure, microbial communities, and plant and invertebrate health.
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