Unravelling the emerging threats of microplastics to agroecosystems

In the past few decades, pollution from microplastics has emerged as an important issue on a global scale. These plastic particles are mainly the result of anthropogenic activities. Urban sprawl, industrialization, indiscriminate use and poor waste management of plastic products are the main factors responsible for the accumulation of microplastics in different ecosystems of the environment. The presence of microplastics in the soil matrix is considered an emerging threat to agroecosystems. Since most of the studies on microplastics have been done in the aquatic environment. The understanding of the ecotoxicological effects of these contaminants in terrestrial ecosystems is still limited, especially in agroecosystems. The negative effects of microplastics on the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil are now revealing. But the effects of microplastics on plant growth and yield are largely unexplored. Microplastic contamination in the soil can alter the functioning of plants by affecting the microbial community of the rhizosphere and disturbing the homeostasis of the agroecosystem. Furthermore, it may transfer into the plant system through nutrient and water absorption channels and affect plant physiology. The pervasive nature of microplastics in the soil is considered a barrier to sustainable agriculture and ecosystem functioning. The present review gives an overview of the sources, dissipation and effects of microplastics with reference to the soil–plant system, highlights the research gaps, and deciphers the possible future threats to agroecosystems.

Graphical abstract