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Microplastics in Agricultural Systems: Analytical Methodologies and Effects on Soil Quality and Crop Yield

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  • Raquel Pérez-Reverón

    (Departamento de Biología Animal, Edafología y Geología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avenida Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez, s/nº, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain)

  • Sergio J. Álvarez-Méndez

    (Instituto Universitario de Bio-Orgánica Antonio González, Universidad de La Laguna, Avenida Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain)

  • Rebecca Magdalena Kropp

    (Departamento de Biología Animal, Edafología y Geología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avenida Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez, s/nº, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain)

  • Adolfo Perdomo-González

    (Departamento de Biología Animal, Edafología y Geología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avenida Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez, s/nº, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain)

  • Javier Hernández-Borges

    (Departamento de Química, Unidad Departamental de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avenida Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez, s/nº, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
    Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avenida Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez, s/nº, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain)

  • Francisco J. Díaz-Peña

    (Departamento de Biología Animal, Edafología y Geología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Avenida Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez, s/nº, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain)

Abstract

Around one million metric ton of plastics is produced worldwide daily. Plastic contamination is aggravated when the particles reach sizes between 5 mm and 1 μm, giving rise to microplastics, which are omnipresent in the environment, especially in agroecosystems. To appreciate the magnitude of this problem, this review analyzes 177 scientific works to focus on the occurrence and effects of microplastics in agricultural soils. Firstly, the sources, behavior and fate of microplastics in agroecosystems are evaluated. Then, in the absence of a standard methodology for the study of microplastics in farmland soils, the procedures which have been employed for microplastic separation (density and floatation in 73% of the discussed works), identification and quantification (stereomicroscopy, 77%; infrared analysis, 62%) are addressed to provide a practical work guideline. Finally, we highlight the interaction between microplastics and soil microbiota, fauna and vegetation (negative effects reported in 83% of cases), including crop production (decrease in growth parameters in 63% of the reports). From this review, it can be inferred that microplastics may disrupt the biophysical environment of farmland soil, potentially leading to economic losses and to their entrance into the trophic food chain, affecting human feeding and health.

Suggested Citation

  • Raquel Pérez-Reverón & Sergio J. Álvarez-Méndez & Rebecca Magdalena Kropp & Adolfo Perdomo-González & Javier Hernández-Borges & Francisco J. Díaz-Peña, 2022. "Microplastics in Agricultural Systems: Analytical Methodologies and Effects on Soil Quality and Crop Yield," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-29, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:12:y:2022:i:8:p:1162-:d:880941
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Chuan Du & Handong Liang & Zhanping Li & Jie Gong, 2020. "Pollution Characteristics of Microplastics in Soils in Southeastern Suburbs of Baoding City, China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-12, January.
    2. Hoda Fakour & Shang-Lien Lo & Nathan Thadeo Yoashi & Angelbetter Marselian Massao & Nelson Naboth Lema & Fezile Bethusile Mkhontfo & Patrick Chris Jomalema & Nasra Shabani Jumanne & Bright Hubert Mbuy, 2021. "Quantification and Analysis of Microplastics in Farmland Soils: Characterization, Sources, and Pathways," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 11(4), pages 1-16, April.
    3. Meredith E. Seeley & Bongkeun Song & Renia Passie & Robert C. Hale, 2020. "Microplastics affect sedimentary microbial communities and nitrogen cycling," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-10, December.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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