We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastic accumulation in agricultural soils – Impacts on crop microbiomes and soil health
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers review how microplastics from mulch films, sewage sludge, and wastewater accumulate in agricultural soils, disrupting microbial communities, reducing enzyme activity essential for nutrient cycling, and accumulating in crop tissues, raising food safety concerns and highlighting the need for biodegradable alternatives and better wastewater treatment.
Mini Review Microplastic accumulation in agricultural soils – Impacts on crop microbiomes and soil health Suprita Panda and Rushali Behera Download PDF Abstract Microplastics, which are defined as plastic fragments less than 5 mm in size, have become widespread pollutants in agricultural soils, mainly originating from sources like plastic mulches, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, and irrigation with wastewater. These tiny particles are very resistant to breakdown, allowing them to persist in soils over extended periods where they interact with both the physical and biological elements of the soil ecosystem. Recent research indicates that microplastics can adversely affect soil health by modifying the diversity and functioning of microbial communities, including essential beneficial bacteria and fungi required for nutrient cycling and the decomposition of organic matter. Additionally, microplastics can diminish the activity of crucial enzymes such as dehydrogenase and phosphatase, which are important for maintaining soil fertility. In certain cropping systems, studies have shown that microplastics can accumulate in plant tissues, especially in root vegetables, raising concerns about potential human exposure through the food chain. This review compiles existing research on the interactions between microplastics and soil microbiomes, examines patterns of bioaccumulation across various crop systems, and explores mitigation strategies, including the adoption of biodegradable alternatives and improved wastewater treatment, to lessen microplastic pollution. A deeper understanding of these interactions is vital to promote sustainable agricultural methods that protect soil health, ensure productivity, and maintain food safety. Keywords Microplastics Biodegradable mulches Agricultural soils Bioengineered filtration Phytoremediation Agricultural crops Corresponding Author Ms. Suprita Panda Department of Zoology, North Odisha University, Odisha, India supritapanda106@gmail.com Article History Received Date : 08 October 2024 Revised Date : 21 November 2024 Accepted Date : 25 November 2024
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in agricultural soils: Impacts on soil microbial communities, nutrient cycling, earthworm health, and soil ecosystem functions
AI summary Read the abstract
This review pulls together existing research showing that tiny plastic bits building up in farm soil, from sources like plastic mulch and sewage sludge, are harming the soil itself, disrupting the microbes and earthworms that keep it healthy and fertile. This matters because damaged soil means reduced crop growth and food security over time, and these same microplastics can carry harmful chemicals and heavy metals that may end up in our food, water, and air. The researchers stress that without action to reduce plastic pollution now, the damage to farmland could become permanent.
Microbiomes Against Microplastic Pollution in Agriculture: Biodegradation, Remediation, and Soil Health Implications
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed how soil microbiomes interact with microplastics in agricultural settings, finding that microbial communities offer biodegradation and remediation potential, though intensive plastic use in farming combined with fertilizer and wastewater inputs continuously introduces microplastics into soils with implications for soil health.
Microplastics in Agricultural Soils
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed what is known about microplastic contamination in agricultural soils, noting that despite hundreds of millions of tonnes of plastic entering the environment annually, very little is understood about how microplastics persist, migrate, and affect soil ecosystems. This knowledge gap is concerning given that contaminated soil directly affects food crops consumed by humans.
Impact of Microplastic Pollution on Soil Health
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers review how microplastics enter agricultural soils from plastic mulch films, sewage sludge, and irrigation water, documenting their effects on soil microbial communities, nutrient cycling, and overall soil health in ways that may threaten long-term agricultural productivity.
Microplastics as Emerging Contaminants: Unraveling Their Impact on Soil Health
AI summary Read the abstract
This review pulls together existing research showing how tiny plastic bits in soil mess with its structure, chemistry, and the microbes that keep it healthy, making it harder for plants to grow and absorb nutrients properly. This matters because these plastics can travel from soil into the crops we eat, and the damage to soil health could shrink crop yields over time, raising concerns about both food safety and food supply.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.