Microplastics: A Hidden Threat to Soil Health and Biodiversity

In this article, we will be unraveling the lesser-known but substantial effects of microplastics on the environment, prioritizing their impact on soil quality and biodiversity.

What are Microplastics?

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that are less than five millimeters in length. They could originate from larger plastic debris that degrades into smaller and smaller pieces. Alternatively, they can enter the environment as microbeads, a type of microplastic commonly found in health and beauty products.

Sources of Microplastics

Microplastics come from a multitude of sources including cosmetics, industrial processes, litter, and the breakdown of larger plastic items. They’ve been found everywhere, from the peaks of mountains to the depths of the oceans.

Microplastics and Soil Contamination

While the negative impact of microplastics on marine life has received substantial attention, their effect on soil health and terrestrial biodiversity is a lesser-explored area. Microplastics get into the soil in several ways such as composting of plastic contaminated organic matter or direct littering.

Impact on Soil Quality and Microorganisms

Microplastics can drastically alter the soil's physical and chemical properties. They can hinder the movement of water and air in the soil, thereby affecting nutrient cycling. This can destabilize soil structure, and negatively affect plant growth. Further, microplastics affect soil biota and have been found to reduce the abundance and survival rate of soil microorganisms, affecting the soil food web.

Microplastics and Biodiversity

Recent research points towards a strong correlation between microplastic pollution in soil and declining biodiversity. Microplastics adhere to bacteria, obstructing their natural functions and reproduction. By changing the environment and hitting at the base of the food chain, aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity is threatened.

Survival of Land Species

Various land species including earthworms, snails, and others have shown reduced action of growth, development, and reproduction due to the infiltration of microplastics into the soil. High concentrations of microplastics can lead to bioaccumulation and biomagnification, thus affecting larger animals in the ecosystem.

Addressing Microplastics Pollution

Several strategies exist to mitigate microplastics pollution including improving waste management, banning the use of microbeads, and advocating for the reduction of plastic use. But, substantial work is needed to regulate and reduce microplastic contamination.

Future Recommendations

Moving forward, responsible production and consumption of plastics, coupled with research to develop bio-based and biodegradable plastics, more efficient plastic recycling, and pollution control practices could be considered.