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Related Concept Videos

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  11. Global Soil Microplastic Assessment In Different Land-use Systems Is Largely Determined By The Method Of Analysis: A Meta-analysis

Global soil microplastic assessment in different land-use systems is largely determined by the method of analysis: A meta-analysis

Olivia Wrigley1, Melanie Braun1, Wulf Amelung1

  • 1Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation (INRES) - Soil Science and Soil Ecology, University of Bonn, Nussallee 13, 53115 Bonn, Germany.

The Science of the Total Environment
|October 31, 2024

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View abstract on PubMed

Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Microplastic pollution is widespread in terrestrial environments, especially in rural agricultural soils. Concentrations vary significantly based on land use and analytical methods, highlighting the need for standardized soil microplastic analysis.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Soil Science
  • Ecotoxicology

Background:

  • Microplastics (MPs) are emerging pollutants with poorly understood terrestrial prevalence.
  • Existing research on soil MPs is geographically biased, with most studies in Asia.
  • Varied methodologies complicate direct comparisons of MP concentrations across studies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare microplastic concentrations in diverse agro-ecosystems.
  • To investigate the influence of input pathways and land uses on soil MP loads.
  • To account for methodological variations in microplastic analysis.

Main Methods:

  • Meta-analysis of 89 studies encompassing 553 global sites.
  • Inclusion of data considering MP size, sampling depth, density separation solutions, and organic matter removal.
Keywords:
Arable soilsDensity fractionationEnvironmental pollutionSynthetic polymers

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  • Statistical analysis to compare MP loads across different land uses and urbanization levels.

    • Main Results:

    • Global mean soil MP load is 2900 ± 7600 items kg⁻¹, significantly higher than the median of 480 items kg⁻¹.
    • Highest MP concentrations observed in soils under greenhouses, plastic mulching, and with sludge amendments.
    • MP loads increase with decreasing urbanization, being highest in rural areas; methodological choices significantly bias results.

    Conclusions:

    • Terrestrial agro-ecosystems, particularly rural soils, harbor substantial microplastic contamination.
    • Greenhouses, plastic mulching, and sludge application are significant sources of soil MPs.
    • Standardization of microplastic analysis methods is crucial for accurate global assessments.