Research progress of microplastics in soil-plant system: Ecological effects and potential risks

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Soil Science
• Ecotoxicology

Background:

• Soil is increasingly recognized as a significant sink for microplastics, alongside aquatic environments.
• Microplastic contamination poses a growing threat to terrestrial ecosystems and agricultural sustainability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the direct and indirect effects of microplastics on the soil-plant system.
• To analyze impacts on soil aggregates, nutrient cycling, and combined effects with other pollutants.
• To discuss how microplastic characteristics influence these effects.

Main Methods:

• Literature review synthesizing current research on microplastic impacts in soil.
• Analysis of studies examining microplastic effects on soil physical properties (e.g., bulk density, water retention).
• Evaluation of research on microplastic influence on soil biological processes (e.g., microbial communities, nutrient cycling) and plant physiology.

Main Results:

• Microplastics alter soil bulk density and water-holding capacity, affecting plant rooting and photosynthesis.
• Soil aggregate stability is compromised by microplastics through interference with abiotic and biotic factors.
• Microplastics can disrupt soil nutrient cycling (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus) by altering microbial communities and related genes/enzymes.
• Combined exposure with other pollutants can exacerbate plant damage, despite some physical barrier effects.
• Microplastic type, size, and concentration significantly modulate impacts; fibers and smaller particles are more detrimental.

Conclusions:

• Microplastics exert multifaceted detrimental effects on the soil-plant system, impacting soil health and plant productivity.
• Understanding the influence of microplastic characteristics is crucial for risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the long-term consequences and develop effective management approaches for microplastic pollution in soils.