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Resource or waste? A perspective of plastics degradation in soil with a focus on end-of-life options. One step beyond
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This narrative review synthesises over 300 studies on plastic degradation in soil, with a focus on end-of-life options and reuse potential for various resin types. The review, emphasising literature published since 2019, examines the tension between plastics as a resource versus a persistent environmental hazard, exploring degradation mechanisms and pathways beyond conventional disposal.
Plastics have surpassed traditional materials across numerous industries due to their versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness. However, their persistence in ecosystems, particularly in soil, presents serious environmental challenges. This narrative review builds on previous work by analysing over 300 studies on plastics in soil, with a focus on degradation and potential reuse. Special attention is given to research published since 2019. The review classifies plastics by resin type and examines their degradation processes under various soil conditions, covering both conventional and biodegradable polymers. Polyethylene emerges as the most extensively studied polymer, while interest in biodegradable alternatives like polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT) is increasing. Additionally, the review highlights advancements in microplastics research, particularly their interactions with co-contaminants and effects on soil organisms. Despite significant progress, challenges remain in standardizing methods for measuring plastic degradation in soil. The review emphasizes the need for further research to establish consistent methods and reliable indicators for degradation, while also exploring innovative recycling technologies for use in agricultural soil management. It stresses the importance of advancing a circular economy for plastics, integrating policy and practical solutions to reduce environmental impacts.
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Resource or waste? A perspective of plastics degradation in soil with a focus on end-of-life options
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This review compiles existing data on plastic degradation in soil and explores post-consumer plastic reuse options, organized by resin type. It identifies a major gap in standardized indicators and methods for quantifying plastic degradation in terrestrial environments and calls for more research to support evidence-based land management policy.
Unravelling the ecological ramifications of biodegradable microplastics in soil environment: A systematic review
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Researchers reviewed 85 studies on biodegradable microplastics in soil, finding that when biodegradable plastics fail to fully break down they can disrupt soil structure, nutrient cycling, and microbial life in ways that depend heavily on concentration and plastic type. The review highlights that "biodegradable" plastics are not a simple fix for microplastic pollution in agricultural soils.
Plastic particles in soil: state of the knowledge on sources, occurrence and distribution, analytical methods and ecological impacts
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This comprehensive review of plastic particles in soil covered sources, occurrence, analytical detection methods, and ecological impacts, identifying gaps in knowledge about terrestrial plastic fate and effects compared to the more extensively studied marine environment.
Biodegradable Polyesters in Soil - Real Environmental Hazard or Just a Storm in a Teacup?
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This review critically examines whether biodegradable polyesters genuinely degrade in soil environments, finding that under field conditions many degrade slowly and incompletely, forming persistent microplastic particles ('microbioplastics') with largely unknown ecological consequences.
Environmental fate and impacts of microplastics in soil ecosystems: Progress and perspective
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This review summarized knowledge on microplastics in soil environments, covering occurrence across agricultural, industrial, and urban soils, transport pathways, and ecological risks to soil organisms and plant communities. The authors identify key data gaps and methodological challenges that currently limit understanding of microplastic fate and impact in terrestrial systems.
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