Impacts of microplastics on terrestrial plants: A critical review

Sun, X., Withana, P. A., Palansooriya, K. N., Vithanage, M., Yang, X., Lee, S.-R., Bank, M. S., You, S. and Ok, Y. S. (2024) Impacts of microplastics on terrestrial plants: A critical review. Land Degradation and Development, 35(5), pp. 1629-1643. (doi: 10.1002/ldr.5026)

Abstract

Microplastic (MP) pollution is an important environmental problem owing to its widespread use, long residence time, and overall persistence. MPs threaten the health of humans, animals, and plants. However, studies on the effects of MPs on terrestrial plants are less common compared to those conducted in aquatic systems. This review discusses the sources of MPs in terrestrial ecosystems, their effects on C and N cycling in soils, and the impact of MPs on terrestrial plants, and focuses on plant growth and the potential risks to human health. MPs affect plants and their performance by altering soil structure, microbial activity, nutrient immobilization, transporting contaminants, and causing direct toxicity. Chemicals, such as plasticizers, additives, and colorants, in MPs may negatively affect ecosystems and their inhabitants, and MPs may interact with a wide array of pollutants, including pesticides, heavy metals, and antibiotics. These impacts vary as a function of soil type, plant species, and MP type. Future research efforts should focus on interaction complexity, uptake mechanisms, and impacts on plants at multiple spatiotemporal scales, while concurrently considering their effects on food chains and human health.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korea government (MSIT) (No. 2021R1A2C2011734). This research was partly supported by Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education (NRF-2021R1A6A1A10045235) and OJEong Resilience Institute, Korea University in Korea.
• Keywords: Microplastic, terrestrial ecosystem, nutrient cycling, contaminant carriers, human health.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: You, Dr Siming

Creator Roles

You, S.: Writing – review and editing

• Authors: Sun, X., Withana, P. A., Palansooriya, K. N., Vithanage, M., Yang, X., Lee, S.-R., Bank, M. S., You, S., and Ok, Y. S.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
• Journal Name: Land Degradation and Development
• Publisher: Wiley
• ISSN: 1085-3278
• ISSN (Online): 1099-145X
• Published Online: 31 January 2024
• Copyright Holders: Copyright: © 2024 John Wiley and Sons Ltd.
• First Published: First published in Land Degradation and Development 35(5): 1629-1643
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy