Summary
This review examines the emerging hazard posed by micro- and nanoplastic pollution in agricultural soils, highlighting critical uncertainties in current understanding. The authors document how plastic fragmentation interferes with key soil processes including water retention, gas exchange, and microbial-mediated nutrient cycling, whilst also acting as vectors for associated additives. The paper emphasises urgent knowledge gaps regarding effects on terrestrial invertebrate communities, which represent major components of soil biodiversity and function.
Regional applicability
The review addresses a global environmental challenge with direct relevance to United Kingdom agriculture, where microplastic contamination of soils through sewage sludge application, compost, and atmospheric deposition is an emerging concern. Findings are transferable to UK farming systems, though quantitative baseline data on nanoplastic loads in UK soils remains limited and represents a priority for future monitoring.
Key measures
Accumulation levels of micro- and nanoplastics in soils; effects on soil water dynamics, aeration, microbial activity, and nutrient cycling; impacts on terrestrial invertebrate populations and ecosystem functions; contaminant vector effects
Outcomes reported
The paper reviews current evidence and uncertainties regarding microplastic and nanoplastic accumulation in agricultural soils and their effects on soil functions, biodiversity, and terrestrial invertebrate communities. It identifies gaps in quantitative data on nanoplastics in soils and their mechanistic impacts across biological scales.
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