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Updated: Aug 17, 2025

Separation and Identification of Conventional Microplastics from Farmland Soils
Published on: March 21, 2025
Environmental microplastics: Classification, sources, fates, and effects on plants.
Quan Gan1, Jiawen Cui1, Biao Jin1
1College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
Microplastic (MP) pollution impacts plants, with research accelerating. This review synthesizes findings on MP properties, plant effects, and interactions with environmental factors, highlighting knowledge gaps and future research directions.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Plant Science
- Ecotoxicology
Background:
- Microplastic (MP) pollution is a growing global concern due to persistent plastic waste.
- Over 9000 papers on MPs published recently highlight intense research interest.
- MPs accumulate in agricultural ecosystems, necessitating understanding of their plant interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and analyze scientometric data on microplastic research from 2019-2022.
- To synthesize current knowledge on MP properties, sources, and fate in agricultural settings.
- To elucidate MP uptake, transport, effects on plants, and interactions with environmental factors.
Main Methods:
- Scientometric analysis of research papers published between January 1, 2019, and September 30, 2022.
- Systematic review of literature focusing on MP classification, sources, circulation, and deposition.
- Analysis of studies on MP uptake, transport, and effects on plants.
Main Results:
- Recent research progress in MP classification, sources, and agricultural ecosystem dynamics.
- Understanding of MP uptake and transport mechanisms in plants, influenced by size, type, and environmental factors.
- Identification of both positive and negative effects of MPs on plants and their underlying mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Significant research exists on MPs, yet their interactions with plants and environmental factors require further investigation.
- A comprehensive understanding of MP impacts on plants is crucial for agricultural sustainability.
- Future research should address knowledge gaps and explore MP management strategies.
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