1- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran , shayan_shariati@ut.ac.ir
2- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
3- Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tehran, Karaj, Alborz, Iran
2- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
3- Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tehran, Karaj, Alborz, Iran
Abstract: (17 Views)
Microplastics are persistent and emerging pollutants that enter soils through residues of plastic mulch and coverings, sewage sludge, compost, wastewater, atmospheric deposition, and the fragmentation of agricultural plastic waste. By altering soil structure, pore networks, water and air movement, and aggregate stability, these particles may reduce the quality of agricultural soils. This review aimed to examine the sources, fate, and effects of microplastics on soil bulk density, porosity, hydraulic conductivity, water retention, wettability, aggregate stability, and erodibility. Findings from laboratory experiments, field studies, review articles, and meta-analyses were collected. Relevant literature was retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, SID, Magiran, and Civilica. Data were extracted and compared according to polymer type, particle shape and size, concentration, soil texture, experimental duration, and moisture conditions. The findings indicated that approximately 72% of plastic particles may become incorporated into soil aggregates, whereas 28% remain dispersed. On average, microplastics reduced soil bulk density by about 5.7–6%. Depending on soil type and particle characteristics, saturated hydraulic conductivity varied from a reduction of nearly 70% to an increase of 40%. In some soils, polypropylene decreased hydraulic conductivity by 69.79–95.79%, whereas polyester fibers reduced bulk density by 9% and increased aeration porosity by 34% in one soil. The contrasting responses among soils also indicate that laboratory results should be extrapolated to field conditions with caution and that long-term, standardized studies are required to assess future environmental risks. The effects of microplastics on soil physical properties are not uniform and depend on polymer type, particle shape, size, concentration, soil texture, and moisture conditions. Therefore, preventing microplastic entry into soil, reducing the use of agricultural plastics, and improving waste management are the most effective strategies for protecting the physical quality and long-term sustainability of agricultural soils.
Keywords: Aggregate stability, soil water retention curve, soil wettability, soil structure, saturated hydraulic conductivity, water retention.
Type of Article: Review |
Subject:
Biogeochemistry of contaminants in soil-plant system
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Journal of Soil and Plant Interactions by http://jspi.iut.ac.ir is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported License which allows users to read, copy, distribute and make derivative works for non-commercial purposes from the material, as long as the author of the original work is cited properly.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported License which allows users to read, copy, distribute and make derivative works for non-commercial purposes from the material, as long as the author of the original work is cited properly.
