Microplastics as Pollutants in Agricultural Soils

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-9-2020

Publication Title

Environmental Pollution

Volume

265

Issue

A

First page number:

1

Last page number:

11

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) as emerging persistent pollutants have been a growing global concern. Although MPs are extensively studied in aquatic systems, their presence and fate in agricultural systems are not fully understood. In the agricultural soils, major causes of MPs pollution include application of biosolids and compost, wastewater irrigation, mulching film, polymer-based fertilizers and pesticides, and atmospheric deposition. The fate and dispersion of MPs in the soil environment are mainly associated with the soil characteristics, cultivation practices, and diversity of soil biota. Although there is emerging pollution of MPs in the soil environment, no standardized detection and quantification techniques are available. This study comprehensively reviews the sources, fate, and dispersion of MPs in the soil environment, discusses the interactions and effects of MPs on soil biota, and highlights the recent advancements in detection and quantification methods of MPs. The prospects for future research include biomagnification potency, cytotoxic effects on human/animals, nonlinear behavior in the soil environment, standardized analytical methods, best management practices, and global policies in the agricultural industry for the sake of sustainable development.

Keywords

Environmental pollution; Microplastics; Analytical techniques; Agricultural systems; Soil health; Sustainable development

Disciplines

Civil and Environmental Engineering | Engineering

Language

English

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