We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics in the soil environment: Occurrence, risks, interactions and fate – A review
AI summary Read the abstract
This review compiled evidence on microplastic occurrence and effects in soils, finding that terrestrial environments receive 4–23 times more plastic annually than oceans and that microplastics alter soil properties, microbial communities, and plant growth. The authors emphasize the need for standardized methods and more research on soil microplastic dynamics.
The issue of microplastic pollution emerged from the marine environment, but the terrestrial environment is estimated to receive annually 4–23 times more plastic wastes. Microplastic pollution in the soil environment has thus begun to elicit great concern. This review summarizes the observed effects of microplastic pollution on soil ecosystems as well as sorption and transport behaviors of microplastics in such environments. Microplastic pollution has been detected in various soils including agricultural/farmland, greenhouse, home garden, coastal, industrial, and floodplain soils. Microplastics affect soil physical and chemical properties, microbial and enzyme activities, and plant growth, and also pose adverse ecotoxicological effects to soil fauna. These effects depend on the concentration, size, and shape of microplastics, as well as soil texture. Microplastics are known to sorb organic and inorganic pollutants, possibly affecting the distribution of these substances in soil. Existing evidence demonstrates the negligible effect of microplastics on bioaccumulation of contaminants in soil fauna. The horizontal and vertical transport of microplastics can be facilitated by soil fauna. Pollutants associated with microplastics may disperse further following the transport of microplastics in soil. This review also highlights perspectives for future research on microplastics in soil.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in soils: A review of methods, occurrence, fate, transport, ecological and environmental risks
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines the sources, detection methods, and environmental behavior of microplastics in soils, an area that has received far less attention than marine microplastic pollution. Researchers found that microplastics interact with soil properties and organisms in complex ways, potentially entering the human food chain. The study calls for standardized methods and more research into how these tiny plastic particles move through and affect terrestrial ecosystems.
Occurrence and Ecological Impacts of Microplastics in Soil Systems: A Review
AI summary Read the abstract
This review provides a comprehensive overview of microplastic occurrence and ecological impacts in soil systems, an area that has received less scientific attention than aquatic environments. Researchers summarized how microplastics enter soils through agricultural films, biosolids, and irrigation, and how they affect soil organisms, nutrient cycling, and plant health. The study predicts a rapid increase in soil microplastic research and calls for standardized methods to assess the risks.
Microplastics in soils: assessment, analytics and risks
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines microplastic prevalence, analytical methods, and risks in soils, finding that terrestrial microplastic contamination has received far less attention than marine accumulation despite comparable or greater abundance. Researchers evaluated current difficulties in soil microplastic sampling, isolation, and identification and called for standardised methodologies to assess ecological and human health risks.
Environmental fate and impacts of microplastics in soil ecosystems: Progress and perspective
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarized knowledge on microplastics in soil environments, covering occurrence across agricultural, industrial, and urban soils, transport pathways, and ecological risks to soil organisms and plant communities. The authors identify key data gaps and methodological challenges that currently limit understanding of microplastic fate and impact in terrestrial systems.
Recent advances on ecological effects of microplastics on soil environment
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes recent advances in understanding the ecological effects of microplastics on soil environments. Researchers found that soils serve as major sinks for microplastics, which can alter soil properties, affect plant growth, disrupt soil microbial communities, and interact with other pollutants. The study highlights that terrestrial microplastic pollution may be even more pervasive than aquatic contamination and warrants greater research attention.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.