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Microplastic Contamination in Agricultural Soils and Its Implications for Soil Health in India: A Systematic Review
Summary
This review of 52 studies found that Indian farm soils—especially in Punjab and Haryana—contain high levels of tiny plastic bits, mostly from mulch films and irrigation equipment, and these microplastics are harming soil quality by disrupting helpful microbes, earthworms, and root growth. This matters because the contamination has already been linked to crop yield losses of up to 28%, raising concerns about future food supplies and, potentially, plastic exposure through the food we eat.
Microplastic (MP) contamination in agricultural soils represents a rapidly escalating environmental challenge, particularly in India, where intensified plastic use in farming and inadequate waste management have created significant accumulation hotspots. Despite growing research output, a comprehensive synthesis of India-specific evidence on MP sources, concentrations, characterization, and soil health consequences has been absent from the literature. This systematic review synthesizes published evidence from 2017 to 2026, examining the sources, distribution, characterization, and ecological consequences of MPs in Indian agricultural soils, with an emphasis on soil health implications and food security threats. A systematic literature search was conducted across Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Following PRISMA guidelines and applying rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria, 52 peer-reviewed studies were selected for final synthesis. Results: Microplastic concentrations in Indian agricultural soils range from 380 to 1,250 items kg⁻¹ dry soil, with Punjab and Haryana recording the highest values. Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) dominate the polymer composition, predominantly originating from plastic mulch films and irrigation infrastructure. Microplastics significantly impair soil structure, enzymatic activity, microbial diversity, earthworm abundance, and plant root development, with documented yield reductions of 5 to 28% across major crops. Discussion: Current evidence reveals critical research gaps in long-term field studies, standardized analytical protocols, and regulatory frameworks specific to India. Urgent national-level policy interventions, adoption of biodegradable mulching alternatives, and establishment of soil MP monitoring programmes are essential to safeguard India's agricultural productivity and food security.