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The Fate and Risk of Micro- and Nanoplastics in Terrestrial Ecosystems
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This research review summarizes what scientists currently know about tiny plastic particles (called micro- and nanoplastics) that contaminate soil and land environments. The study found that while researchers have learned a lot about plastic pollution, there are still major gaps in understanding how these particles move through soil, affect plants and animals, and potentially reach humans through food. This matters because these microscopic plastics could enter our food supply through crops grown in contaminated soil, but scientists don't yet fully understand the health risks.
This chapter addresses the current understanding of micro- and nanoplastic (MNP) contamination in terrestrial ecosystems, including their sources, transportation pathways, environmental fate, interaction with soil biota and toxicity, and human exposure. Current studies have come a long way within the field of MNP pollution. However, several knowledge gaps concerning the ecological implications and fate in terrestrial ecosystems remain. Future research directions are also discussed.
More Papers Like This
Environmental Fate and Ecological Risk of Micro- and Nanoplastics across Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems
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Scientists reviewed existing research on tiny plastic particles (microplastics and nanoplastics) and found they're spreading throughout soil, rivers, and oceans, where animals eat them and pass them up the food chain. These plastic particles cause stress and health problems in wildlife, but researchers still don't fully understand the long-term effects or how much exposure is dangerous. This matters because these same plastic particles can end up in our food and water, but we need better research methods to understand the real risks to human health.
Microplastics and Nanoplastics in the Freshwater and Terrestrial Environment: A Review
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This review critically analyzes the current state of research on micro- and nanoplastic pollution in freshwater and terrestrial environments. Researchers examine how these particles are transported through soil and water systems, their environmental fate, and their ecological impacts on living organisms. The study identifies significant knowledge gaps in the field, particularly around the characterization of nanoplastics and the long-term effects of plastic particle accumulation in non-marine environments.
Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Terrestrial Systems
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This review summarizes the current understanding of micro- and nanoplastic contamination in terrestrial ecosystems, which have received far less research attention than aquatic environments. Researchers examined how these particles enter soils through agricultural practices, sewage sludge application, and atmospheric deposition, and how they affect soil organisms and plant growth. The study highlights that terrestrial systems may be a major reservoir of plastic pollution with ecological consequences that are only beginning to be understood.
Micro and nanoplastics pollution: A review on global concern and its impacts on ecosystems
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This review summarizes the current understanding of micro and nanoplastic pollution globally, covering their sources, movement through ecosystems, and risks to both environmental and human health. The evidence shows that these tiny particles alter soil and sediment properties, disrupt nutrient cycles, and pose potential climate hazards. The authors emphasize that more research is needed on how microplastics move through food chains and affect human health, particularly through contaminated food and water.
Soil Pollution from Micro- and Nanoplastic Debris: A Hidden and Unknown Biohazard
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This review examines what is known about the fate and properties of microplastics and nanoplastics in soil, highlighting that agricultural land acts as a long-term sink for the ~300 million tons of plastic produced annually, with major knowledge gaps in detection and ecotoxicological effects.
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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.