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Microplastic Contamination in Agricultural Soils Across India: A Systematic Review
Summary
This systematic review of 73 studies found that microplastics are contaminating agricultural soils across India through polluted irrigation water, atmospheric deposition, and plastic mulch use. This is concerning because microplastics in farmland can be taken up by crops and enter the food supply. The research highlights a significant gap — most studies focus on waterways while the soils that grow our food remain understudied.
Microplastic contamination in India has been extensively studied in aquatic ecosystems, yet its implications for agricultural soils remain insufficiently addressed. This research paper bridges this gap by analyzing data from 73 studies published between 2020 and 2024, synthesizing findings on microplastic contamination across diverse ecosystems in India and assessing their potential impact on agricultural land. Microplastic contamination in India has been extensively studied in aquatic ecosystems, yet its implications for agricultural soils remain insufficiently addressed. While most studies focus on microplastics in beaches, rivers, lakes, and ponds, only a limited number directly investigate agricultural soils, highlighting a significant research gap. Key contamination sources identified include irrigation with polluted water, atmospheric deposition, industrial discharge, inadequate waste management, and agricultural practices such as plastic mulch use. In Northern India, extensive irrigation networks sourcing water from the Ganga, Yamuna, and Sutlej rivers pose significant risks of microplastic infiltration into farmland. Western India experiences high contamination due to industrial effluents, urban plastic waste, and irrigation practices. In Southern and Eastern India, coastal agricultural regions face risks from marine and estuarine microplastic pollution, potentially affecting soil and crop health. Additionally, Northeastern India shows potential threats due to microplastic-laden water bodies and atmospheric deposition near agricultural lands. By identifying high-risk zones and knowledge gaps, this study provides a foundation for future research aimed at mitigating the growing threat of microplastic pollution in India’s agricultural sector. Addressing these challenges is crucial for ensuring soil health, food security, and environmental sustainability.