Far-Reaching Impact of Microplastics on Agricultural Systems: Options for Mitigation and Adaptation

Abstract

Microplastics has emerged as a pervasive pollutant with far-reaching implications for agriculture. This review paper evaluates existing research on microplastics in agricultural systems, exploring their impacts on land, crop growth, farm animals, and consumer health. Using the PRISMA framework and systematic review process, 811 papers were identified in the initial search, and only 164 papers were used for this study after following the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Our study found that high-density polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride are widely used plastic types in agriculture, followed by polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyethylene terephthalate. This prevalence is likely due to the extensive use of plastics in agriculture systems, such as for mulching, handling harvested products, bags for fertilizers and pesticides, samplings, and seed storage. The study found serious adverse consequences of microplastics on crops, animal health, soil, and consumers. It also highlights the need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate these impacts, by using bioplastics, application of treated water for irrigation, proper disposal of plastics, and following sustainable agricultural practices. Adaptation measures such as soil remediation, different microplastic removal technologies, and policy interventions emerge as a crucial strategy to cope with microplastic pollution. The paper concludes with a call for interdisciplinary research to better understand the complexities of microplastic pollution and to develop sustainable solutions to protect natural ecosystems, agricultural ecosystems, human health, and food security.