Summary
This critical review examines the bidirectional interactions between microplastics and soil fauna, with emphasis on earthworms and nematodes as model organisms. The authors document multiple toxicity pathways by which microplastics damage soil fauna physiology and ecological function, whilst also synthesising evidence that soil fauna modify microplastic fate in soil systems and may facilitate their transfer to higher food web levels. The review identifies substantial knowledge gaps and proposes research priorities for understanding these interactions in agricultural and natural soil ecosystems.
UK applicability
The review's findings on microplastic contamination and soil fauna impacts are directly relevant to UK soil health policy and sustainable agriculture, particularly as microplastic prevalence in UK farmland soils increases from biosolids and other sources. The implications for nutrient cycling and soil ecosystem function align with UK interests in soil health metrics and contamination monitoring.
Key measures
Narrative synthesis of microplastic impacts on soil fauna growth, reproduction, lifespan, survival, and ecological functions; toxicity mechanisms (ingestion, bioaccumulation, oxidative stress, DNA damage, genotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity, metabolic disorders, gut dysbiosis); soil fauna effects on microplastic transformation and trophic transfer
Outcomes reported
This critical review synthesised evidence on how microplastics affect soil fauna (particularly earthworms and nematodes) through multiple toxicity mechanisms, and how soil fauna in turn affect microplastic formation, breakdown, and migration. The paper identified key knowledge gaps and recommended future research priorities on soil fauna–microplastic interactions.
Topic tags
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