What comes after the Sun? On the integration of soil biogeochemical pre-weathering into microplastic experiments

Abstract. Recent studies have been engaged in estimating the adverse effects of microplastic (MP) on soil quality parameters. Mass concentrations MP, as found highly contaminated soils, shown to weaken structure, and parts edaphon are adversely affected mainly by <100 µm MP size fraction. However, vast majority these used pristine particles, which surface characteristics different from those environmental MP. Exposed UV radiation, plastic undergoes photochemical weathering with embrittlement formation charge, leading an alteration physiochemical behavior. When particles then enter environment, further aging factors appear yet unknown efficacy. This little explored biogeochemical phase includes biofilm cover, decay enzymes (as laboratory experiments both conventional biodegradable plastics), contact biotic abiotic acids, oxidants, uptake fauna that causes physical fragmentation. Such transformation surfaces is assumed affect aggregation processes, faunal health, transport colloids adsorbed solubles. perspective article encourages us consider history highlights need for reproducing conduct closer-to-nature results.