Files and links (1)
CC BY V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
Microplastics and nanoplastics: fate, transport, and governance from agricultural soil to food webs and humans
Environmental sciences Europe, Vol.37(1), 68
2025
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are pervasive contaminants in agricultural soils, raising concerns over their environmental fate, food chain infiltration, and potential human health impacts. This review critically examines their primary sources—plastic mulching, biosolids, organic fertilisers, and atmospheric deposition—while distinguishing findings from laboratory, semi-field, and field studies. We assess their effects on soil health, microbial diversity, and crop productivity, emphasising methodological challenges in detecting and quantifying MPs. Plant and soil toxicity studies often use exaggerated MP concentrations (up to 50% by volume), whereas field data indicate much lower yet cumulatively significant levels (typically below 0.1% w/w). This discrepancy reveals the potential for long-term accumulative ecological risks and misrepresentations in many toxicity studies. Accurate toxicity assessments and analytical methodologies are crucial, as exaggerated MP concentrations in studies may misrepresent real-world risks. The review also evaluates plant uptake pathways, exploring bioaccumulation evidence and research discrepancies. In addition, we highlight the role of MPs as carriers of hazardous additives and pollutants, distinguishing their intrinsic effects from those of associated chemicals. A significant gap remains in standardised risk assessments and regulatory frameworks, limiting effective governance despite increasing environmental exposure. We propose future research priorities, including improved detection methods, long-term field studies, environmentally relevant toxicity studies and policy interventions, to mitigate the risks MPs and NPs pose in soil-based food systems. This review highlights the urgent need for coordinated scientific and regulatory efforts to address the growing challenges of agricultural plastic contamination.
Graphical Abstract
Details
- Title
- Microplastics and nanoplastics: fate, transport, and governance from agricultural soil to food webs and humans
- Authors/Creators
- Joseph Boctor - Murdoch UniversityFrances C. Hoyle - The University of Western AustraliaMohamed A. Farag - Cairo UniversityMatta Ebaid - University College DublinThomas Walsh - Environment, CSIROAndrew S. Whiteley - CSIRO Land and WaterDaniel V. Murphy - Murdoch University, Centre for Sustainable Farming Systems
- Publication Details
- Environmental sciences Europe, Vol.37(1), 68
- Publisher
- Springer Berlin Heidelberg
- Number of pages
- 30
- Grant note
- Bioplastics Innovation Hub, Murdoch University, CSIRO and Industry partners
- Identifiers
- 991005778130807891
- Copyright
- © The Author(s) 2025.
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Food Futures Institute; Centre for Sustainable Farming Systems
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Metrics
9 File views/ downloads
57 Record Views
InCites Highlights
These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output
- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Citation topics
- 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology
- 3.60 Herbicides, Pesticides & Ground Poisoning
- 3.60.2078 Microplastics
- Web Of Science research areas
- Environmental Sciences
- ESI research areas
- Environment/Ecology