Summary
This 2023 Nature Reviews Microbiology article introduces the concept of the 'soil plastisphere'—the ecological niche formed by plastic polymers in soil and the microbial communities that colonise them. The review synthesises emerging evidence on how microplastics enter agricultural and natural soils, persist in the environment, and interact with soil microorganisms. The paper appears to position plastic pollution as an underappreciated driver of soil microbial community change with potential implications for soil health and function.
UK applicability
UK soils are subject to plastic contamination through sewage sludge application, mulch films in horticulture, and atmospheric deposition. The findings are directly relevant to UK soil policy and agricultural practice, particularly regarding soil quality standards and the regulation of plastic-based soil amendments.
Key measures
As suggested by the title, likely microbial community composition, plastic polymer types, microplastic abundance, and soil functional responses to plastic contamination
Outcomes reported
The paper reviews the emerging research on how plastic polymers and microplastics alter soil microbial communities and ecosystem functions. It synthesizes evidence on the distribution, persistence, and biological interactions of plastics in terrestrial soil environments.
Topic tags
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