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Plastic pollution in terrestrial ecosystems: Current knowledge on impacts of micro and nano fragments on invertebrates
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This review summarizes research on how micro- and nanoplastics affect soil-dwelling invertebrates like earthworms and insects, finding that effects vary widely depending on plastic type, shape, concentration, and exposure time. While no broad conclusions could be drawn, the documented sublethal effects on soil organisms could disrupt the soil ecosystems that support the crops humans depend on for food.
The increasing accumulation of small plastic particles, in particular microplastics (>1 µm to 5 mm) and nanoplastics (< 1 µm), in the environment is a hot topic in our rapidly changing world. Recently, studies were initiated to better understand the behavior of micro- and nanoplastics (MNP) within complex matrices like soil, as well as their characterization, incorporation and potential toxicity to terrestrial biota. However, there remains significant knowledge gaps in our understanding of the wide-extent impacts of MNP on terrestrial invertebrates. We first summarized facts on global plastic pollution and the generation of MNP. Then, we focused on compiling the existing literature examining the consequences of MNP exposure in terrestrial invertebrates. The diversity of investigated biological endpoints (from molecular to individual levels) were compiled to get a better comprehension of the effects of MNP according to different factors such as the shape, the polymer type, the organism, the concentration and the exposure duration. The sublethal effects of MNP are acknowledged in the literature, yet no general conclusion was drawn as their impacts are highly dependent on their characteristic and experimental design. Finally, the synthesis highlighted some research gaps and remediation strategies, as well as a protocol to standardize ecotoxicological studies.
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This review examines how microplastics affect soil ecosystems, including their transport into soils, changes they undergo in the environment, and their interactions with soil organisms. The effects depend heavily on the type, shape, size, and amount of plastic particles present. Understanding these impacts is important because soil contamination with microplastics can affect food production and ultimately human exposure through the food chain.
Interaction of Invertebrates and Synthetic Polymers in Soil: A Review
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Fate, transport, and ecotoxicological impacts of nanoplastics in soil systems: Interactions with earthworms and soil microbial dynamics
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This review pulls together findings from 18 studies on how tiny plastic particles (nanoplastics) behave in soil, showing they can harm earthworms and disrupt the soil bacteria that keep dirt healthy and fertile. Since healthy soil is the foundation of our food supply, this matters because damaged soil ecosystems could affect crop quality over time — plus these nanoplastics can act like tiny magnets, dragging other harmful chemicals along with them into the environment and potentially our food chain. The researchers note that scientists still need better, more realistic studies to fully understand the risks before drawing firm conclusions.
Implication of microplastics on soil faunal communities — identifying gaps of knowledge
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This systematic review examines how microplastics in soil affect earthworms, springtails, mites, and other soil-dwelling creatures that are essential for healthy soil. The impacts are highly variable and depend on the type of plastic, particle size, and soil conditions, making broad conclusions difficult. The review identifies critical knowledge gaps, noting that most studies use unrealistically high microplastic concentrations, and calls for research at levels that match actual field conditions.
Effects of pristine microplastics and nanoplastics on soil invertebrates: A systematic review and meta-analysis of available data
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About 49% of 1,061 biological endpoints were significantly affected by pristine micro- and nanoplastics across 56 studies on soil invertebrates, with polymers containing chloro and phenyl groups causing the most harm; concentrations above 1 g/kg in soil decreased earthworm growth and survival.
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