Significance of Microplastics in Agricultural Soil

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) can effect terrestrial ecosystems (approximately 20% of the pollution rate), but it also strongly effect aquatic ecosystems, with an estimate of 80% of the marine pollution. In the present time, we are facing the fact that more and more agricultural land has been contaminated with MPs. Underground transport of MPs in the soil occurs through bioturbation with the help of plant roots and soil fauna, as well as plowing, soil cultivation, crop harvesting, water infiltration, etc. Literature data stated that the concentration of MPs in terrestrial ecosystems is multiple times higher than in the ocean, and due to this fact, the United Nations Environment Programme appealed for more research studies on the assumed effects.