We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Soil
Summary
This review synthesizes current knowledge on microplastic and nanoplastic contamination in soils, covering sources including agricultural films, compost, and atmospheric deposition, as well as their effects on soil organisms and ecosystem functions. The authors identify key research priorities for understanding long-term soil health impacts.
Microplastics and nanoplastics are major environmental hazards that have permeated many ecosystems, including soil. There is increasing interest and worry about the possible effects of these tiny plastic particles on plant life and, by extension, global food security as they build up in the soil. Research has indicated that plant roots have the ability to absorb microplastics and nanoplastics, which can then cause them to translocate and accumulate in various plant tissues. This phenomenon raises concerns about the possible influx of plastics from plants into the human food chain, which could have an impact on the security and safety of food. The intricate interplay among soil attributes, plant physiology, and plastic qualities is responsible for the variation in absorption and accumulation rates among distinct plant species. The effects of microplastic and nanoplastic absorption by plants on food security are complex. On the one hand, these particles may obstruct the uptake of water and nutrients, which could stunt plant development and reduce production. However, the possibility that plastics will find their way into plant portions that humans can eat raises questions about the security of our food supply. Furthermore, the situation is made worse by the fact that plastics are persistent in the environment and can accumulate over time to have cumulative effects on both human populations and terrestrial ecosystems. Policymakers, agronomists, and environmental scientists must collaborate on multidisciplinary research projects to address the problem of microplastics and nanoplastics in soil. Improved waste management, the creation of biodegradable substitutes, and sustainable farming methods targeted at lowering soil plastic pollution are some strategies to lessen the negative effects of plastics on plant health and food security. The intricate relationships between soil, plants, and microplastics and nanoplastics can be better understood and addressed in order to create a more stable and reliable global food chain.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Nano-microplastic and agro-ecosystems: a mini-review
This review examines the growing problem of micro- and nanoplastic contamination in agricultural ecosystems, where sources include plastic mulch films, organic waste amendments, and atmospheric deposition. The study suggests that these plastic particles negatively affect soil health, microbial communities, and plant development, raising concerns about long-term impacts on food production systems.
Micro/Nanoplastics in Agricultural Soils and Associated Hazard
This review surveys the sources, distribution, and hazards of micro- and nanoplastics in agricultural soils, with particular attention to how MPs interact with soil organisms, alter nutrient availability, and accumulate in crops in ways that threaten both soil health and food safety.
A review of microplastics in the soil environment
This review summarizes the current state of knowledge about microplastic contamination in soil environments, covering sources, distribution, and effects on soil organisms and ecosystems. The study highlights that while aquatic microplastic research is more advanced, soil contamination poses significant but understudied risks to terrestrial ecosystems and food production.
Agricultural Soils Containing Micro/Nanoplastics and Related Risks
This review surveys micro- and nanoplastic contamination in agricultural soils globally, examining input sources including plastic mulch films, irrigation water, sewage sludge, and compost, and assessing the risks MPs pose to soil organisms, plant growth, and food safety.
Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Terrestrial Systems
This review summarizes the current understanding of micro- and nanoplastic contamination in terrestrial ecosystems, which have received far less research attention than aquatic environments. Researchers examined how these particles enter soils through agricultural practices, sewage sludge application, and atmospheric deposition, and how they affect soil organisms and plant growth. The study highlights that terrestrial systems may be a major reservoir of plastic pollution with ecological consequences that are only beginning to be understood.