Effects of microplastics on soil physical, chemical and biological properties

Abstract

Pollution from microplastics (MPs) is recognized as a significant new global change factor that may have an impact on ecosystem services and functions. Although it is known that soil ecosystems, especially agricultural land, are a significant source of MPs, little is known about the effects of MPs on soil ecosystems, such as those above and below ground. As a major secondary source of microplastics (MPs) in various environmental media, the soil environment is where microplastics aggregate. To evaluate the effects of MP contamination on arable land, residential land areas (due to primary and secondary MPs), and the development and reproduction of soil fauna, we performed a global analysis in this study. This study sought to determine whether MP contamination exists in soil and how it influences the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil. To examine the causes, impacts, mitigation, and global perspective of MP pollution of soil, several research databases about its identification, occurrences, and consequences were combed for pertinent data and citations. The academic literature is collected using search engines such as Google Scholar, Springer Link, Elsevier, and Frontiers. Through this study, it is possible to evaluate how these qualities, MPs in landfill leachate, and the route of contamination from primary and secondary MPs to the soil affect soil toxicity and its consequential effects on physical, chemical, and biological properties as well as living organisms. This work also addresses the laws, rules, and numerous state-of-the-art treatment strategies for reducing the consequences of MPs. Significant gaps in knowledge require further thorough research.