Summary
This 2024 review synthesises recent research on microplastics contamination in terrestrial and soil environments, addressing sources, distribution mechanisms, and environmental behaviour. As a narrative review published in Science of The Total Environment, it appears to consolidate knowledge on how microplastics enter agricultural soils—including through organic amendments and irrigation water—and their accumulation patterns. The work suggests this is an emerging soil contaminant of concern requiring further investigation into agronomic and ecological consequences.
UK applicability
UK agricultural systems applying sewage sludge, compost, or reclaimed water for irrigation may be exposed to microplastics contamination pathways identified in this review. Findings are relevant to UK soil health monitoring frameworks and policy discussions on organic waste recycling and circular economy approaches in agriculture.
Key measures
Microplastics concentration and prevalence in soils; contamination pathways (e.g. sewage sludge, compost, irrigation); particle characterisation; distribution patterns in terrestrial environments
Outcomes reported
The review synthesises research advances on microplastics contamination pathways, distribution, and effects in terrestrial geoenvironments, including agricultural soils. It appears to assess current knowledge on sources, transport mechanisms, and potential ecological and agronomic impacts of microplastics in soil systems.
Topic tags
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