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Micro- and nanoplastics in soils: Tracing research progression from comprehensive analysis to ecotoxicological effects
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Researchers conducted a large-scale analysis of 2,451 scientific publications on micro- and nanoplastics in soil published between 2006 and 2023, mapping global research trends and identifying key gaps. The review found rapidly growing interest in soil microplastic pollution and highlighted the need for interdisciplinary approaches to understand how these particles harm earthworms, soil microbes, and ultimately human health.
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) emissions and pollution are a growing concern due to their potential impact on ecosystems and human health, particularly in soil. This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of 2,451 publications spanning from 2006 to 2023. The aim is to assess the research landscape, trends, contributors, and collaborative efforts related to MNPs in soil. Moreover, it examines the extensive research on the effects of MNPs on soil organisms, including earthworms, nematodes, and other fauna as well as the physical–chemical impacts, nanoscale interactions, and ecotoxicological effects on soil microorganisms. Utilizing network analysis, this study explores the global distribution of research across countries, institutions, authors, and keywords, shedding light on the interconnected scientific exploration. The findings reveal a consistent rise in research output over the past decade, reflecting worldwide interest in soil MNPs pollution. It also identifies influential authors and interdisciplinary clusters, highlighting their significant collaborations. Moreover, it pinpoints key institutions and leading journals in this area. Keyword co-occurrence and time-series analysis uncover seven significant research clusters. All provide insights into crucial MNPs aspects and their environmental and health implications. Our findings guide future research and inform strategies to combat MNPs pollution in soils, underscore the need for interdisciplinary approaches to address this complex challenge. In essence, our comprehensive bibliometric analysis serves as a valuable resource, it benefits researchers, policy stakeholders by promoting further research and guiding strategies to mitigate MNPs pollution in soils, in support of ecosystem preservation and human health protection.
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Researchers conducted a bibliometric analysis — a statistical review of published research — to map global trends in studies on how microplastics affect earthworms, finding steady growth in publications through 2022 with China and Europe leading the research. Earthworms are a key focus because they live in soil, help decompose organic matter, and serve as an indicator species for measuring how microplastics disrupt soil health.
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