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Continents of plastics: An estimate of the stock of microplastics in agricultural soils
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Researchers estimated for the first time the total amount of microplastics in the world's agricultural soils, finding between 1.5 and 6.6 million tonnes globally. This is one to two orders of magnitude higher than the estimated amount floating on the ocean surface. The study highlights that farmland, especially in regions using plastic mulch and sewage sludge as fertilizer, may be a larger reservoir of microplastic pollution than the oceans.
While there are estimates of the stock of microplastics in the marine environment, there are no estimates for soils. The main objective of this work is to estimate the total mass of microplastics in global agricultural soils. Microplastic abundance data from 442 sampling sites were collected from 43 articles. From these, the median of the abundance values, as well as the abundance profile of microplastics in soils were calculated. Thus, 1.5 to 6.6 Mt of microplastics would be present in soils on a global scale, i.e. one to two orders of magnitude higher than the estimated ocean surface microplastic stock. However, many limitations exist to accurately calculate these stocks. This work should therefore be considered as a first step in addressing this question. In the long term, in order to better assess this stock, it seems important to obtain more diversified data, e.g. better representing certain countries, or certain land uses.
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Global concentrations of microplastic in soils, a review
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This global review synthesized data from studies on microplastic concentrations in soils worldwide, finding contamination across diverse terrestrial environments with higher levels near urban areas and agricultural land. Terrestrial soils are estimated to contain far more microplastic than the world's oceans, making them a critical but understudied reservoir of plastic pollution.
Global concentrations of microplastic in soils, a review
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Tiny plastic particles called microplastics are showing up in soils around the world, and this study rounds up existing research to see how much is out there, especially in farmland. This matters because soil is where our food grows, so understanding microplastic buildup there is an important step toward figuring out if it could end up in our meals and affect our health. Note that this paper mainly organizes what scientists already know rather than presenting brand-new findings.
Existence and fate of microplastics in terrestrial environment: A global fretfulness and abatement strategies
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This review covers the global spread of microplastics in soils, farmland, and other land environments, finding contamination from sources like sewage sludge, plastic mulch, and irrigation water. The study highlights that terrestrial microplastic pollution may actually be greater than marine pollution and poses risks to soil organisms, crop growth, and human health through the food chain.
The Invisible Plastic Waste: How Much Microplastic Is in Our Soils?
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Scientists believe microplastic pollution in soil may actually be worse than what's found in our oceans, largely from things like plastic farm coverings that break down into tiny fragments left in fields after harvest. The problem is we don't yet have good tools to accurately measure how much plastic is in soil or fully understand how it affects the environment, which matters because this soil grows the food we eat every day.
Significant influence of land use types and anthropogenic activities on the distribution of microplastics in soil: A case from a typical mining-agricultural city
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Scientists surveyed microplastic pollution across five types of land in a Chinese mining-agricultural city and found the highest levels in greenhouse farmland, with nearly 3,738 particles per kilogram of soil. Agricultural plastic waste, irrigation water, and fertilizers were identified as the main sources of contamination. The study shows that farming practices are major contributors to microplastic buildup in the soil that produces our food.
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