Microplastics in terrestrial ecosystem: Sources and migration in soil environment

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Soil Science
• Ecotoxicology

Background:

• Microplastic pollution is a significant global environmental issue, with terrestrial systems increasingly recognized as a major sink.
• Research has predominantly focused on marine microplastic pollution, leaving soil and sediment contamination understudied.
• Microplastics enter soils through various pathways, including industrial waste, sewage sludge, agricultural practices like plastic mulching, and compost.

Approach:

• This review synthesizes global data on plastic and microplastic production and consumption.
• It investigates the pathways through which microplastics penetrate the soil environment.
• The review discusses management strategies, alternative materials (bioplastics, oxo-plastics), knowledge gaps, and policy implications.

Key Points:

• Terrestrial microplastic contamination is widespread, originating from diverse sources and amplified by agricultural practices.
• The review highlights the detrimental effects of microplastics on soil properties, soil health, and potential trophic transfer through food chains.
• Challenges and limitations of plastic alternatives like bioplastics and oxo-plastics are critically examined.

Conclusions:

• Urgent attention and research are needed to address soil microplastic pollution, which poses risks to ecosystem health.
• Identifying knowledge gaps concerning microplastic sources and effects is crucial for developing effective containment and regulatory measures.
• Policy development is essential to mitigate microplastic contamination in terrestrial ecosystems and protect overall environmental health.