Impact of microplastics on terrestrial ecosystems: A plant-centric perspective

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs), defined as plastic particles smaller than five millimeters, are pervasive environmental pollutants affecting ecosystems from aquatic habitats to terrestrial soils. While extensive research has been conducted on MPs contamination in marine environments, the impacts of MPs in agricultural soils, particularly on plant health, remain underexplored. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of MPs contamination sources, pathways, and effects on soil properties and plant systems, focusing on MPs unique mechanisms of translocation within plants. By examining the role of MPs in disrupting soil structure, microbial communities, and plant growth, this paper identifies critical knowledge gaps and highlights the ecological risks of MPs presence in agricultural settings. Unlike prior reviews, this work provides a plant-centric perspective, addressing MPs uptake, translocation, and accumulation within plant tissues, and proposes novel mitigation strategies such as biodegradable alternatives and advancements in waste management. Furthermore, we discuss the implications of MPs interactions with heavy metals and other pollutants in soil, which may amplify toxicity in plant systems and impact overall soil fertility. This review aims to inform future research directions and policy-making efforts to mitigate the adverse effects of MPs in terrestrial ecosystems, with significant implications for agricultural productivity, soil health, and long-term food security.