Microplastics in soils: an environmental geotechnics perspective

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging persistent contaminants in the terrestrial subsurface, and evidence has emerged for significant effects of MPs on biological ecosystem functions soils. Main MP sources include land spreading sewage sludge biowaste composts, plastic mulching film used horticultural fields, waste water irrigation leachate from landfills, among others. This updated state-of-the-art review paper describes recent experimental numerical research developments understanding accumulation fate soil environment (focusing their storage, degradation, transportation, leaching to groundwater etc.), followed by mitigation bioremediation measures, including MP-eating bacteria fungi best management practices reducing pollution soil. Other areas covered combined various other environmental (heavy metals, organic pollutants antibiotics) ecosystems standardisation methods detection, quantification characterisation soils, which is critical research. The concludes identifying knowledge gaps presents recommendations prioritised needs.