Source, migration and toxicology of microplastics in soil

Jing-Jie GUO, Xian-Pei HUANG, Lei XIANG, Yi-Ze WANG, Yan-Wen LI, Hui LI, Quan-Ying CAI, Ce-Hui MO, Ming Hung WONG

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlespeer-review

777 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Microplastics are emerging contaminants and their presence in water and soil ecosystems has recently drawn considerable attention because they pose a great threat to entire ecosystems. Recent researches have focused on the detection, occurrence, characterization, and toxicology of microplastics in marine and freshwater ecosystems; however, our understanding of the ecological effects of microplastics in soil ecosystems is still limited compared with that in aquatic ecosystems. Here, we have compiled literature, studying the sources, migration of microplastics in soil, negative impacts on soil health and function, trophic transfer in food chains, and the corresponding adverse effects on soil organisms in order to address the potential ecological and human health risks caused by microplastics in soil. This review aims to address gaps in knowledge, shed light on the ecological effects of microplastics in soil, and propose future studies on microplastic pollution and the resultant soil ecotoxicity. Furthermore, this review is focused on limiting microplastics in soil and establishing management and remediation measures to mitigate the risks posed by microplastic pollution. Copyright © 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Original languageEnglish
Article number105263
JournalEnvironment International
Volume137
Early online dateFeb 2020
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2020

Citation

Guo, J.-J., Huang, X.-P., Xiang, L., Wang, Y.-Z., Li, Y.-W., Li, H., . . . Wong, M.-H. (2020). Source, migration and toxicology of microplastics in soil. Environment International, 137. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2019.105263

Keywords

  • Microplastics
  • Soil
  • Migration
  • Toxicology
  • Health risks

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