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Evolutionary implications of microplastics for soil biota
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This perspective paper examines how microplastic pollution in soils may drive evolutionary changes in soil organisms by acting as a persistent novel selection pressure, potentially altering life history traits, stress tolerance, and community composition over generations. The authors call for long-term evolutionary studies to understand how soil biota adapt to microplastic contamination.
Microplastic pollution is increasingly considered to be a factor of global change: in addition to aquatic ecosystems, this persistent contaminant is also found in terrestrial systems and soils. Microplastics have been chiefly examined in soils in terms of the presence and potential effects on soil biota. Given the persistence and widespread distribution of microplastics, it is also important to consider potential evolutionary implications of the presence of microplastics in soil; we offer such a perspective for soil microbiota. We discuss the range of selection pressures likely to act upon soil microbes, highlight approaches for the study of evolutionary responses to microplastics, and present the obstacles to be overcome. Pondering the evolutionary consequences of microplastics in soils can yield new insights into the effects of this group of pollutants, including establishing 'true' baselines in soil ecology, and understanding future responses of soil microbial populations and communities.
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Towards an ecology of soil microplastics
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This perspective paper calls for greater research attention on microplastic pollution in soils, arguing that terrestrial ecosystems may be even more contaminated than aquatic ones but have received far less scientific scrutiny. The authors outline research priorities for understanding microplastic behavior, ecological effects, and food web implications in soil environments.
Soil microplastics: we need to pay more attention
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This perspective piece argues that soil microplastics deserve greater research attention, noting that soils may act as major reservoirs for microplastic accumulation with significant but understudied consequences for terrestrial ecosystems and human health.
Soils in distress: The impacts and ecological risks of (micro)plastic pollution in the terrestrial environment
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This review examines how microplastics affect soil ecosystems, including their transport into soils, changes they undergo in the environment, and their interactions with soil organisms. The effects depend heavily on the type, shape, size, and amount of plastic particles present. Understanding these impacts is important because soil contamination with microplastics can affect food production and ultimately human exposure through the food chain.
Ecological effects of microplastics contamination in soils
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This review examines the ecological effects of microplastic accumulation in soils, where particles can persist for decades to over a century. It covers impacts on soil structure, water retention, microbial communities, plant growth, and soil invertebrates.
Recent advances on ecological effects of microplastics on soil environment
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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.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.