Microplastics and nanoplastics: fate, transport, and governance from agricultural soil to food webs and humans

Abstract Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are pervasive contaminants in agricultural soils, raising concerns over their environmental fate, food chain infiltration, and potential human health impacts. This review critically examines their primary sources—plastic mulching, biosolids, organic fertilisers, and atmospheric deposition—while distinguishing findings from laboratory, semi-field, and field studies. We assess their effects on soil health, microbial diversity, and crop productivity, emphasising methodological challenges in detecting and quantifying MPs. Plant and soil toxicity studies often use exaggerated MP concentrations (up to 50% by volume), whereas field data indicate much lower yet…

• CS
  Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
• MU
  Murdoch University