Microplastic pollution in agriculture soil: An updated review

Microplastic contamination in agricultural soil is one of the major problems worldwide as it contaminates the food chain. In modern agriculture, plastic utilization introduces microplastics into soils through diverse practices, including plastic mulching, sewage irrigation, contaminated rain water entering into agricultural land, rivers, ponds, and lakes, soil amendment, fertilizer coatings, littering, run off, and atmospheric deposition. The potential transfer of microplastics through the food chain raises concerns regarding human health. Microplastics change soil properties such as soil structure, fertility, and functioning as well as the diversity of microbes, which may have implications for plant and animal health and pose possible risks for the safety and quality of food, ultimately jeopardizing human health. Therefore, cost effective detection methods should be developed for the quick identification of micro plastics in soil system. Addressing these challenges is crucial for ensuring soil health, food security, and environmental sustainability.