Summary
This review, authored by an international team of soil and environmental scientists, examines microplastics as emerging soil contaminants in agricultural systems. The authors synthesise evidence on the sources, environmental behaviour, and potential consequences of microplastic accumulation in farmland, as suggested by the journal scope and authorship expertise. The work contributes to growing concern about synthetic polymer pollution in terrestrial agricultural environments during the 2015–2020 period.
UK applicability
Microplastic contamination of UK agricultural soils is relevant given widespread use of plastic mulches, irrigation drip lines, and sewage sludge application in farming. UK policy and practice around circular economy and plastic waste management in agriculture may benefit from evidence synthesis on soil microplastic pathways and risk mitigation.
Key measures
Microplastic abundance, distribution, and characterisation in agricultural soils; sources and transport mechanisms; potential agronomic and environmental impacts
Outcomes reported
The study examined microplastics as pollutants in agricultural soils, likely reviewing sources, pathways, environmental fate, and potential impacts on soil function and crop production. The paper probably synthesised evidence on microplastic accumulation in farmland and associated risks.
Topic tags
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