Current research trends on microplastics pollution and impacts on agro-ecosystems: A short review

As a persistent pollutant, microplastics (MPs) have an impact on agro-ecosystems. Most studies on MPs pollution were carried out in the marine environment. However, there are few studies on MPs in agro-ecosystems. Nowadays, MPs pollution in agro-ecosystems has attracted more and more attention. This article reviews the sources, effects, toxicity, solutions, reuse and pollution prevention of MPs in agro-ecosystems. It mainly includes the following aspects: (1) Summarize the main sources, hazards, toxic pollution and the pollutants carried by MPs in agro-ecosystems, determining the occurrence status of MPs in agro-ecosystems; Analyze the MPs effects on soil physical and chemical properties, microorganisms, plants, soil organisms and humans, revealing the impact of MPs on agro-ecosystems; (2) Summarize the composite effects of MPs and other pollutants in agro-ecosystems; (3) According to the distribution characteristics of MPs in agro-ecosystems, degradation migration and ecological effects, pollution prevention measures and methods for MPs recycling are proposed. Furthermore, the future research emphasis of MPs in agro-ecosystem has prospected. This will lay a foundation for future research in related fields, which has important environmental significance.

Automated summary

This article reviews the sources, effects, solutions, and pollution prevention measures of microplastics (MPs) in agro-ecosystems, highlighting their impact on soil and organisms, as well as outlining future research priorities in this area.