Current research trends on microplastics pollution and impacts on agro-ecosystems: A short review

• Published in: Separation science and technology Vol. 57; no. 4; pp. 656 - 669
• Main Authors: Dai, Yingjie, Shi, Jiajia, Zhang, Naixin, Pan, Zhile, Xing, Chuanming, Chen, Xin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Taylor & Francis 04.03.2022; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Agricultural ecosystems; Agro-ecosystems; Biodegradation; Chemical properties; Chemicophysical properties; degradation; Ecological effects; Ecosystem degradation; Ecosystems; Marine ecosystems; Marine environment; Microorganisms; Microplastics; Plastic debris; Plastic pollution; Pollutants; pollution; Pollution abatement; Pollution prevention; Pollution sources; Soil; Soil chemistry; Soil microorganisms; Soil properties; Soils; sources; Toxic hazards; Toxicity
• ISSN: 0149-6395; 1520-5754
• DOI: 10.1080/01496395.2021.1927094

As a persistent pollutant, microplastics (MPs) have an impact on agro-ecosystems. Most studies on MPs pollution were carried out in the marine environment. However, there are few studies on MPs in agro-ecosystems. Nowadays, MPs pollution in agro-ecosystems has attracted more and more attention. This article reviews the sources, effects, toxicity, solutions, reuse and pollution prevention of MPs in agro-ecosystems. It mainly includes the following aspects: (1) Summarize the main sources, hazards, toxic pollution and the pollutants carried by MPs in agro-ecosystems, determining the occurrence status of MPs in agro-ecosystems; Analyze the MPs effects on soil physical and chemical properties, microorganisms, plants, soil organisms and humans, revealing the impact of MPs on agro-ecosystems; (2) Summarize the composite effects of MPs and other pollutants in agro-ecosystems; (3) According to the distribution characteristics of MPs in agro-ecosystems, degradation migration and ecological effects, pollution prevention measures and methods for MPs recycling are proposed. Furthermore, the future research emphasis of MPs in agro-ecosystem has prospected. This will lay a foundation for future research in related fields, which has important environmental significance.