Summary
Abstract Microplastics (MPs) reach the soil environment through the application of recycled water, biosolids, and compost and the in‐situ weathering of plastic mulch used in agriculture. This review provides an overview of the sources of MP input to soil and their interactions with soil biota, thereby impacting soil biological health. MPs contain various chemical additives and can be ingested by soil biota, thereby impacting their activity and function. MPs also serve as a vector for inorganic and organic contaminants. These chemical additives and environmental contaminants can be released into soil porewater during the weathering of MPs in soil and impact soil biota. Overall, MPs can also alter soil's physical and chemical properties thereby impacting the habitat for soil microorganisms.
Dig deeper with Pulse AI.
Pulse AI has read the whole catalogue. Ask about this record, its theme, or how the findings apply to UK farming and policy — every answer cites the underlying studies.