The impact of microplastics on soil ecosystems: A review

Abstract

The widespread production, continuous use, and unscientific disposal of plastic have led to significant impact on living ecosystem. Over time of degradation, larger plastic polymers degrade into smaller fragments known as microplastics (less than 5 mm). Existing research on the presence and ecological effects of microplastics has primarily concentrated on aquatic ecosystems, with minimal focus on the soil. Soil serves as a natural reservoir for microplastics originating from various sources viz; sewage sludge, landfills, plastic mulch in agriculture, fertilizers, and municipal wastewater discharge environment. The accumulation of microplastics in soil impacts its physicochemical properties, disrupts the development and reproduction of fauna, affects plant growth, and alters microbial communities as well as enzyme activities also endanger to soil organisms and plant health. Some soil organisms may eventually die from ingesting microplastics. Microplastic leads to reduction in fertilizer use efficiency. The review article explores an overview on an impact of microplastics on soil ecosystem.