Microplastics in soil: A review on methods, occurrence, sources, and potential risk

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Soil Science
• Ecotoxicology

Background:

• Microplastics are a growing global soil contaminant with poorly understood ecological risks.
• Systematic analysis of microplastic occurrence, sources, and risks in soil is lacking.
• Technological inconsistencies and matrix complexity hinder soil microplastic research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review the current knowledge on microplastics in soil.
• To identify research gaps in detection, occurrence, characterization, source, and risk assessment.
• To highlight the need for further investigation into soil microplastic pollution.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of microplastic research in soil.
• Analysis of studies on microplastic detection, occurrence, characterization, and sources.
• Review of research on the ecological risks and impacts of soil microplastics.

Main Results:

• Microplastics are ubiquitous in global soil matrices.
• Research is scarce, particularly in Africa, South America, and Oceania.
• Shared sources and exchange between aquatic and soil environments are indicated.
• Varied sources contribute to microplastic accumulation in soil.
• Microplastics and absorbed contaminants can impact soil health and food chains.

Conclusions:

• Significant research gaps exist in quantifying regional microplastic emissions in soil.
• Factors influencing microplastic concentration and their role in soil carbon storage require further study.
• Addressing these gaps is crucial for understanding and mitigating soil microplastic pollution.