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Sources and Occurrence of Microplastics in the Terrestrial Environment
Summary
This chapter reviewed microplastic sources and occurrence in terrestrial environments, finding that soil systems are understudied compared to marine habitats despite receiving significant plastic inputs from agricultural films, biosolids, and atmospheric deposition, with soil microplastics posing risks to soil health and organisms.
Plastic pollution is one of the greatest problem in the Anthropocene. Microplastics, a by product of plastic waste that is smaller than 5 mm in size, have been labelled as pollutants of concern due to their negative consequences and pervasiveness in the environment. Studies evaluating microplastics have mostly concentrated on marine habitats, while have overlooked the terrestrial and soil systems. In this chapter, current knowledge and understanding regarding microplastic pollution in terrestrial ecosystem focusing in soil. The soil is an essential part of terrestrial ecosystems because as it provides an environment for a wide variety of living organisms and essential for nutrients cycling, water filtration and plants development. This chapter has focused to provide detailed information on primary and secondary sources of microplastics within terrestrial ecosystems. Along with this, information of microplastics fate and transport in terrestrial environment focusing on physical and chemical processes has been also provided. Understanding of ecological and human health effects of microplastics in soil environment is also presented. Several case studies from Malaysia involving agricultural and urban soil samples were also presented to provide valuable insights into the current understanding of microplastic pollution and pollution sources. This chapter is useful as resources for scientists, policymakers, NGOs, and students. It also supports microplastic pollution academic learning, fundamental information for informed decision-making, environmental management strategies, public education campaigns and awareness.