Microplastics as pollutants in agricultural soils

Summary

This international narrative review examines microplastics as an emerging class of persistent pollutants in agricultural soils, synthesising evidence on entry pathways, environmental behaviour, and interactions with soil biota. The authors highlight that whilst microplastic contamination is well-characterised in aquatic systems, understanding in terrestrial agricultural environments remains limited, and current detection methods lack standardisation. The review identifies critical gaps in knowledge regarding biomagnification, toxicological effects on humans and animals, and the need for standardised analytical protocols and sector-wide management practices to support sustainable agriculture.

Regional applicability

The findings are globally applicable, as microplastic sources identified (biosolids application, compost amendment, wastewater irrigation, mulching films) are relevant to United Kingdom agricultural practice. However, the review does not specifically address UK-scale contamination prevalence or regulatory context; future UK-focused empirical surveys and policy development would strengthen applicability to British farming systems and food safety frameworks.

Key measures

Sources of microplastic entry to agricultural soils; factors governing fate and dispersion (soil characteristics, cultivation practices, soil biota); detection and quantification techniques; effects on soil organisms

Outcomes reported

The review synthesises evidence on sources of microplastic pollution in agricultural soils (biosolids, compost, wastewater irrigation, mulching film, polymer-based inputs, atmospheric deposition), their fate and dispersion mechanisms, interactions with soil biota, and current detection methodologies. It identifies knowledge gaps and future research priorities including biomagnification, toxicological effects, standardised analytical methods, and management practices.

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