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The Fate and Risk of Micro- and Nanoplastics in Terrestrial Ecosystems
Summary
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.