Kishwar Jamal,
- Student, Department of Botany, University of Allahabad, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
Abstract
Microplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, have emerged as a widespread environmental contaminant in terrestrial ecosystems. Although their impacts in aquatic environments have received considerable attention, the occurrence and ecological consequences of microplastics in soil ecosystems are increasingly recognized as an important environmental concern. Agricultural practices, plastic mulching, sewage sludge application, wastewater irrigation, compost, atmospheric deposition, and the fragmentation of larger plastic materials are major pathways through which microplastics enter and accumulate in soils. Once present in soil, these particles can undergo weathering, fragmentation, and redistribution, thereby influencing soil physical, chemical, and biological properties. This review examines the sources, occurrence, transport, and fate of microplastics in terrestrial ecosystems, with particular emphasis on their ecological effects. Microplastics can alter soil structure, porosity, water-holding capacity, nutrient availability, and microbial activity. They may also affect soil microorganisms and fauna, including bacteria, fungi, earthworms, nematodes, and arthropods, through physical and chemical mechanisms. In plants, exposure to microplastics has been associated with changes in seed germination, root development, nutrient uptake, photosynthesis, and oxidative stress. Furthermore, microplastics can interact with pesticides, heavy metals, and other persistent contaminants, potentially acting as carriers and modifying their environmental fate and toxicity. Despite rapid advances in this field, significant knowledge gaps remain regarding long-term effects under realistic field conditions, interactions among multiple environmental stressors, the behavior of nanoplastics, and consequences for ecosystem functioning. Future research should, therefore, focus on standardized analytical methods, long-term field investigations, ecological risk assessment, and effective strategies for reducing plastic contamination in soils. Understanding these processes is essential for protecting soil biodiversity, maintaining ecosystem services, and developing sustainable terrestrial ecosystem management practices
Keywords: Microplastics, soil pollution, soil biodiversity, soil microorganisms, terrestrial ecosystems, plant growth, nutrient cycling, ecological risk
[This article belongs to Research & Reviews : Journal of Ecology ]
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Research & Reviews : Journal of Ecology
| Volume | 15 | |
| Issue | 02 | |
| Received | 11/09/2026 | |
| Accepted | 16/09/2026 | |
| Published | 17/09/2026 | |
| Publication Time | 6 Days |