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Microplastics in Agricultural Crops and Their Possible Impact on Farmers’ Health: A Review

Author

Listed:
  • Eva Masciarelli

    (Department of Technological Innovations and Safety of Plants, Products and Anthropic Settlements, National Institute for Insurance Against Accidents at Work, Via R. Ferruzzi, 38/40, 00143 Rome, Italy)

  • Laura Casorri

    (Department of Technological Innovations and Safety of Plants, Products and Anthropic Settlements, National Institute for Insurance Against Accidents at Work, Via R. Ferruzzi, 38/40, 00143 Rome, Italy)

  • Marco Di Luigi

    (Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, National Institute for Insurance Against Accidents at Work, Via di Fontana Candida, 1, Monte Porzio Catone, 00078 Rome, Italy)

  • Claudio Beni

    (Research Centre for Engineering and Agro-Food Processing, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Via della Pascolare, 16, Monterotondo, 00015 Rome, Italy)

  • Massimiliano Valentini

    (Research Centre for Food and Nutrition, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Via Ardeatina, 546, 00178 Rome, Italy)

  • Erica Costantini

    (Department Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University “G. d’Annunzio”, Via dei Vestini, 66100 Chieti, Italy)

  • Lisa Aielli

    (Department Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University “G. d’Annunzio”, Via dei Vestini, 66100 Chieti, Italy)

  • Marcella Reale

    (Department Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University “G. d’Annunzio”, Via dei Vestini, 66100 Chieti, Italy)

Abstract

The indiscriminate use of plastic products and their inappropriate management and disposal contribute to the increasing presence and accumulation of this material in all environmental zones. The chemical properties of plastics and their resistance to natural degradation lead over time to the production of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics, which are dispersed in soil, water, and air and can be absorbed by plants, including those grown for food. In agriculture, MPs can come from many sources (mulch film, tractor tires, compost, fertilizers, and pesticides). The possible effects of this type of pollution on living organisms, especially humans, increase the need to carry out studies to assess occupational exposure in agriculture. It would also be desirable to promote alternative materials to plastic and sustainable agronomic practices to protect the safety and health of agricultural workers.

Suggested Citation

  • Eva Masciarelli & Laura Casorri & Marco Di Luigi & Claudio Beni & Massimiliano Valentini & Erica Costantini & Lisa Aielli & Marcella Reale, 2024. "Microplastics in Agricultural Crops and Their Possible Impact on Farmers’ Health: A Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(1), pages 1-33, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2024:i:1:p:45-:d:1557902
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Chunhui Wang & Junhong Tang & Haixia Yu & Yiyi Wang & Huanxuan Li & Shaodan Xu & Gang Li & Qian Zhou, 2022. "Microplastic Pollution in the Soil Environment: Characteristics, Influencing Factors, and Risks," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(20), pages 1-14, October.
    2. Laura E. Revell & Peter Kuma & Eric C. Ru & Walter R. C. Somerville & Sally Gaw, 2021. "Direct radiative effects of airborne microplastics," Nature, Nature, vol. 598(7881), pages 462-467, October.
    3. Cheryl Qian Ying Yong & Suresh Valiyaveettil & Bor Luen Tang, 2020. "Toxicity of Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Mammalian Systems," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-24, February.
    4. Lin Wang & Yi Liu & Mandeep Kaur & Zhisheng Yao & Taizheng Chen & Ming Xu, 2021. "Phytotoxic Effects of Polyethylene Microplastics on the Growth of Food Crops Soybean ( Glycine max ) and Mung Bean ( Vigna radiata )," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(20), pages 1-15, October.
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