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Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Terrestrial Systems
Summary
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.
Micro- and nanoplastics are generated by the breakup of massive amounts of plastic trash or by environmental release. Most of these plastics end up in terrestrial systems, without proper treatment. Community health is one of the major fields of study, and the possible discharge of plastics into the surroundings is a major concern. Over the last decade, the occurrence and toxicity of micro/ nanoplastics in aquatic habitats have been broadly studied and reviewed, whereas terrestrial ecosystems have received less attention. Microplastics can modify the microbial, enzymatic, and physical/ chemical characteristics of soil, which can have an impact on plant and soil fauna. Upon entry into plants, these contaminants accumulate and help as possible pathways for incorporation into the food chain and biomagnify alongside the food web, causing major health risks. This chapter aims to provide an overview of the interaction of micro- and nanoplastics, translocation, and their impact on terrestrial systems, including soil, plants, and terrestrial species.