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Microplastics in soil—uptake, fate, transport, and effect on the growth of plants
Summary
This review examines the mechanisms by which microplastics enter soil through agricultural practices, climate events, and soil organism activity, and summarizes current evidence on plant uptake -- driven primarily by transpiration pull -- and translocation of plastic particles through plant tissues. The authors identify significant knowledge gaps regarding long-term soil microplastic behavior and ecological effects on plant growth and nutritional quality.
Microplastics (MPs) are defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm in size. The omnipresence of MPs in the environment poses a significant and undeniable concern, given their heightened durability and widespread use in agricultural activities. Agricultural practices, climatic shifts (manifested in wet weather and heavy rainfall), and the activities of soil organisms collectively play a pivotal role in the dispersion of MPs in soil. Moreover, the dominant factor in the plant uptake and movement of plastic particles is identified as transpiration pull. Soil has emerged as a significant long-term repository for MP debris and limited research has revealed the widespread presence of fibrous and fragmented MPs in soils worldwide. Overall, the issue of MPs requires a multi-faceted approach involving collective efforts from governments, industries, scientists, and individuals to effectively address and minimize the impacts of these tiny but significant pollutants on the environment. The uptake of MPs by plants and their transport is an emerging area of concern in environmental science and agriculture . This chapter focuses on the intricate interplay between MPs and soil, focusing on their uptake, fate, transport, and subsequent impacts on the growth of plants.