Microplastics in the soil environment: A critical review

Environmental pollution of microplastics (MPs) is known to be anthropogenically mediated menace to biosphere and becoming a debatable concern globally. Large quantities of plastic fragments are left behind after crop cultivation. The leftover plastic debris, gradually degrade into minute fragments with a diameter of less than 5 mm, known as MPs. MPs are responsible for many changes in the soil physicochemical characteristics, including porosity, enzymatic activities, microbial activities, plant growth, and yield. Because of their ubiquitous nature, high specific surface area and strong hydrophobicity, MPs play an important role in the transportation of toxic chemicals such as plasticisers, polycyclic aromatic…