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Mulches and Microplastic Pollution in the Agroecosystem
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Plastic polyethylene mulch films used in agriculture fragment over time into microplastics that accumulate in soil, contaminating agroecosystems and potentially entering the food supply through crop uptake and irrigation water. As plastic mulch use grows globally, so does the agricultural contribution to microplastic pollution and human dietary exposure.
In recent decades, organic (plant and animal residues) and inorganic (plastic polyethylene) mulches have become globally considered an environmentally friendly agricultural practice for their instant benefits, such as preserving soil moisture, reducing soil...
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This study examined how agricultural plastic mulching — widely used to boost crop yields and conserve water — degrades and releases microplastics into surrounding terrestrial environments. Agricultural plastics represent a largely underappreciated but massive source of soil microplastic contamination, with direct implications for food crop safety and the long-term health of farmland ecosystems.
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Researchers found that microplastics from agricultural plastic film mulching preferentially accumulate in small soil aggregates, with fiber- and film-shaped particles dominating after long-term use, suggesting that monitoring microplastic distribution in soil aggregates can serve as a practical indicator of soil health degradation.
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This review examined the sources and hazards of microplastic pollution in agricultural settings, including plastic mulch degradation, sewage sludge application, and plastic packaging, and their effects on soil health and crop systems. Agricultural microplastic exposure is especially significant for human health because it creates a direct farm-to-table contamination pathway, with particles and leached chemicals potentially present in vegetables, grains, and livestock products.
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