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From Sea to Land: Setting a Size Definition of Plastics for Soil Ecosystem Studies
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This commentary argues that the standard definition of microplastics (particles smaller than 5 mm) was designed for marine research and should be updated for soil ecosystem studies. Because the processes that govern soil health — water retention, nutrient cycling, carbon storage — operate at the micro- to nanometer scale, the authors propose that microplastics in soil research should specifically refer to particles between 1 and 1,000 micrometers. A unified, standardized size definition would make it easier to compare soil studies and focus research on the plastic particles most likely to disrupt soil function. This is a methodological and conceptual contribution to the field.
ABSTRACT In soil studies, the current definition of microplastics as particles <5 mm was adopted directly from marine research. To our opinion, a more precise and differentiated size definition is needed to focus studies on specific challenges plastics cause for soil ecosystems. As relevant soil functions such as water, carbon, and nutrient retention and provision are mainly controlled by soil structure, biota, and chemical processes dominantly appearing in the micro‐ to nanoscale, we suggest adapting size ranges of plastics to the respective process scales in soil ecosystem studies. Even more, we expect that larger particles will not be incorporated into soil until they reach a size threshold compatible to soil structure (<1000 µm, depending on soil properties). Redefining plastic sizes in accordance with soil processes and the International System of Units (SI) should be implemented to focus research. A unified definition of microplastics (1–1000 µm) and nanoplastics (1–1000 nm) will set a standard to further allow relating plastic sizes across research disciplines.
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From Sea to Land : Setting a Size Definition of Plastics for Soil Ecosystem Studies
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Researchers argued that the current less-than-5-mm size definition of microplastics, adopted from marine research, is insufficient for soil ecosystem studies and proposed a more precise, differentiated size classification to better target the distinct challenges that plastics of varying sizes pose to soil functions.
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Scientists know a lot about microplastic pollution in oceans and rivers, but far less about how much is in our soil, which matters because that's where our food grows. This review paper argues that simply counting plastic particles in dirt isn't enough; researchers also need to study what chemicals these plastics carry, what germs might hitch a ride on them, and how their size and shape affect the risks they pose before we can truly understand the danger to ecosystems and, ultimately, to us.
Microplastics in soils: A review of methods, occurrence, fate, transport, ecological and environmental risks
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This review examines the sources, detection methods, and environmental behavior of microplastics in soils, an area that has received far less attention than marine microplastic pollution. Researchers found that microplastics interact with soil properties and organisms in complex ways, potentially entering the human food chain. The study calls for standardized methods and more research into how these tiny plastic particles move through and affect terrestrial ecosystems.
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This perspective paper calls for greater research attention on microplastic pollution in soils, arguing that terrestrial ecosystems may be even more contaminated than aquatic ones but have received far less scientific scrutiny. The authors outline research priorities for understanding microplastic behavior, ecological effects, and food web implications in soil environments.
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This review summarizes research on microplastic sources, accumulation, degradation, and ecological effects in agricultural soils, arguing that soil microplastic pollution deserves the same level of attention as marine microplastic pollution. The paper calls for greater investment in understanding how microplastics affect soil organisms, plant health, and food safety in terrestrial food production systems.
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