Systematic review on microplastics as a threat to terrestrial and aquatic eco-environment

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) presence in soil and aquatic ecosystems has become a serious concern over the last decade. Due to their small size and physical and chemical characteristics, MPs have potential risks of bio-accumulation in aquatic and soil ecosystems. The accumulated MPs may have various adverse effects on the different components of the ecosystem. MPs may alter the physical properties of soil, including permeability, water retention, and soil structure. Apart from that, MPs may also affect plant growth, soil-dwelling species, microbial populations, and nutrient-cycling processes. Therefore, understanding MPs from source to sink is necessary. Hence, we have comprehensively reviewed the potential toxicity of MPs in soil and aquatic ecosystems. The review also discusses different methodologies used for quantification and detection. The difference in methods used for quantification and detection may significantly affect overall toxicity assessment. This review aims to provide a detailed understanding of MPs in soil and aquatic ecosystems for upcoming research work.