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Microplastics' Ecotoxicological Assessment and Quantification in the Soil Ecosystem
Summary
This review examines the ecotoxicological effects and quantification methods for microplastics in soil ecosystems, synthesizing studies that have detected microplastics in agricultural soils, remote terrestrial environments, and other soil types to assess risks to soil-dwelling organisms.
The proliferation of plastic pollution has raised concerns about its impact on terrestrial ecosystems, with a growing focus on microplastics (MPs) (particles smaller than 5 mm in size). Studies have revealed the ubiquitous presence of MPs in various soil environments, from agricultural lands to remote wilderness areas. A comprehensive overview of microplastic pollution in soil, addressing its distribution, fate, and potential impacts on soil biota and terrestrial ecosystems is provided in this chapter. The interplay of MPs with various soil characteristics and environmental conditions which governs the microplastic movement and retention in soil and the effects on soil physiochemical characteristics is detailed. Furthermore, this chapter examines the interactions between MPs and soil organisms, ranging from microbes to higher trophic levels, and discusses potential ecological consequences such as altered nutrient cycling, bioaccumulation, and ecosystem disruption. Finally, the knowledge gaps are highlighted and recommendations for future study are provided.