Microplastics in soils: a review of possible sources, analytical methods and ecological impacts

Microplastics are emerging persistent pollutants that have been extensively detected in aqueous environments. Yet, scientists have little knowledge of microplastic pollution in soils. This study reviewed over 60 articles, with the following objectives: (i) to discuss sources and the global distribution of microplastics in soils; (ii) to evaluate current extraction techniques and analytical methods for microplastics in soils; and (iii) to comprehensively assess their adverse impacts on soils and soil organisms. Moreover, this review highlights the lack of research into microplastic contamination in soils as a significant knowledge gap. Research into the fate, sources and analytical techniques of soil microplastics and the interactions between soil organisms, soils andmicroplastics is essential in order to underpin management decisions aimed at safeguarding the ecological integrity of our soils. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry

• Publication year

  2020

• Venue

  Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology

• Publication date

  2020-01-09

• Fields of study

  Environmental Science

• Identifiers
  DOI 10.1002/jctb.6334
• External record

  Open on Semantic Scholar

• Source metadata

  Semantic Scholar

• No claims are published for this paper.

• No concepts are published for this paper.

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