Extraction of Microplastics from Rhizosphere

Ordinary consumer products such as large plastic pieces that are broken into smaller pieces, microbeads, synthetic textiles, tires, resin pellets, and marine coating are the source of microplastics. Microplastics (MPs) are an omnipresent contaminant and has a hazardous impact on the zone of the rhizosphere. The rhizosphere is a 1 mm wide zone of a plant root where the biochemical features of soils are determined by the root. Despite being small, microplastics can easily combine in the rhizosphere, which will have an adverse effect on the plant-soil ecosystem and is harmful to humans, plants, and animals. Microplastic–rhizosphere interactions develop the risk factors of nutrient availability, pollutant immobilization, root exudates, etc. Therefore, Extraction of microplastic is necessary to avoid toxic contamination of soil. This chapter consists of several types of methods of extracting microplastic from the rhizosphere along with flotation, sieving, filtration, chemical digestion, visual identification, etc. Two commonly used methods of extraction are low-density (PE) and high-density (PET). Therefore, the processes of extraction are economically impactful for reducing soil pollution in the rhizosphere. Researchers are also focusing to maintain plant physiology, physical-chemical properties, quality, and fertility of the soil avoiding technical challenges and maintaining economic value. Furthermore, avoiding the changes in soil porosity, pH, bulk density, electric conductivity, bio absorptivity, and several parameters of soil, which have a large environmental impact on a sustainable future, are also discussed.