Summary
This narrative review synthesises current understanding of abiotic stressors affecting soil microbial ecosystems, with particular emphasis on antibiotics as an emerging soil pollutant of concern. The authors examine how antibiotic contamination influences microbial community structure and soil health, and explore potential synergistic or antagonistic interactions between antibiotics and other environmental pollutants such as plastics and heavy metals. The review underscores the importance of understanding these microbial responses to inform predictions of soil ecosystem functioning under environmental change.
UK applicability
The findings are relevant to UK soil management and agricultural policy, particularly regarding emerging contaminant pathways (antibiotic residues from livestock and healthcare systems) that may compromise soil microbial function and fertility. However, the abstract does not specify geographic focus or UK-specific data, limiting direct applicability to British farming systems.
Key measures
Microbial community composition and shifts; soil health and fertility endpoints; effects of antibiotic exposure and pollutant interactions on microbial function
Outcomes reported
The review synthesises evidence on how abiotic stressors—particularly antibiotics as emerging pollutants—affect soil microbial communities and soil health. It examines interactive effects between antibiotics and co-contaminants including plastics and heavy metals.
Topic tags
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