We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Effect of microplastics on soil microbial community and microbial degradation of microplastics in soil: A review
Summary
This review examines how microplastics affect soil microbial communities and the potential for microbes to degrade plastic particles in soil environments. The study highlights that soil acts as a major sink for microplastics from sources like sewage sludge, agricultural mulch, and wastewater, and identifies key knowledge gaps including the need for better monitoring of microplastic sources and exploration of microbial biodegradation potential.
The mass production, continual usage, and improper disposal of plastic products have resulted in significant environmental pollution. The larger plastic polymers gradually break down into smaller particles called microplastics (<5 mm). Existing studies on the occurrence and ecological impact of microplastics have focused on the aquatic ecosystems, with very little attention given to the soil environment. The soil represents a natural sink for microplastics from sources such as sewage sludge, landfills, plastic mulch from agricultural activities, fertilizers, and municipal wastewater effluent. The current study, therefore, provides an overview of existing knowledge on soil microplastic pollution focusing on the impact of microplastics on soil microbial community and microbial degradation of microplastics in soil to systematically identify knowledge gaps to be filled with further research. Future research challenges to be addressed include detailed monitoring of the sources and distribution of microplastics in soil under different land uses, exploring diverse microorganisms in their natural environments for their microplastic biodegradation potential using cultivation-dependent and independent approaches, understanding the mechanism of ecological impacts of microplastics and contributions of microplastic additives, degradation products, and other adsorbed environmental pollutants on soil microbial community.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
The impact of microplastics on soil ecosystems: A review
This review examines how microplastics accumulate in soil from sources like sewage sludge, agricultural plastic mulch, and wastewater, and how they affect soil ecosystems. Evidence indicates that microplastics alter soil physical and chemical properties, disrupt microbial communities and enzyme activity, and can harm plant growth and soil organisms. The authors highlight that soil microplastic pollution has received far less research attention compared to aquatic environments, despite its potential consequences for agriculture and food safety.
[Interaction between microplastics and microorganisms in soil environment: a review].
This review examines how microplastics alter soil microbial community structure and diversity, and how microorganisms in turn colonize plastic surfaces and degrade them through extracellular enzymes — with degradation efficiency dependent on polymer properties and environmental conditions.
What Do We Know About the Effects of Microplastics on Soil?
This review examines the effects of microplastics on soil ecosystems, covering how mulching, wastewater irrigation, sludge application, and atmospheric deposition introduce microplastics to soil, where they alter physicochemical properties, affect microbial communities, and carry co-pollutants.
Micro Plastic Pollution in Soil Environment: A Comprehensive Review
This comprehensive review covers sources, distribution, degradation pathways, and ecological effects of microplastics in soil environments, highlighting threats to soil fauna, microbiota, and plant growth.
Microplastic: Evaluating the Impact on Soil-Microbes and Plant System
This review examines how microplastics affect soil microbial communities and plant systems in agricultural settings, documenting impacts on soil health, microbial diversity, and crop physiology. As microplastics accumulate in farmland soils through irrigation, sludge application, and plastic mulches, their effects on the soil ecosystem that underpins food production are a growing concern.