Microplastic pollution in Farmland soils: A review on types, sources, analytical methods, environmental and human health risks

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging pollutants of growing concern in the environment. Initial studies on MPs occurrence, detection and risks have been extensively studied in the aquatic environment, far less of their occurrence and fate in agricultural ecosystems. Based on existing studies, this paper first focused on MPs types and sources. Secondly on the analytical approaches for soil MPs and emerging technologies. Furthermore, growing evidence of MPs threatening food security and human health was studied and risks posed by soil MPs to the environment and human health. Future research directions were outlined including standardized protocols for identifying and quantifying MPs, extensive human health risk assessment of soil MPs, synergistic and additivity effects of adsorbed chemical cocktails, the need for legally binding global legislation and a call for better management of plastic wastes for the sake of food security.