Summary
This 2021 review synthesises emerging evidence on microplastics as a soil contaminant, examining their effects on soil properties, microbial communities, and nutrient cycling. The authors discuss mechanisms by which microplastics alter soil structure and function, and identify knowledge gaps regarding long-term accumulation, bioavailability of sorbed contaminants, and transfer pathways to food crops. The review suggests that whilst microplastics contamination is widespread, quantitative understanding of agronomic and health impacts remains limited.
UK applicability
Microplastics pollution is a global issue affecting soils across the United Kingdom through atmospheric deposition, sewage sludge application, and compost use. The findings are relevant to UK soil monitoring frameworks and inform discussions on sustainable waste management and soil protection policy.
Key measures
Soil physical properties (structure, porosity, water-holding capacity); soil chemical properties (nutrient availability, organic matter); soil biological activity (microbial function); microplastics particle size, polymer type, and concentration; contaminant sorption to microplastics
Outcomes reported
The study examined how microplastics alter soil properties including structure, water retention, nutrient cycling, and microbial communities. The research synthesised current knowledge on microplastics' persistence, sorption capacity, and potential pathways for soil and food chain contamination.
Topic tags
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