Soil Microplastic Pollution Across Terrestrial Ecosystems: A Review of Sources, Distribution Patterns, Polymer Types and Environmental Implications
- 1Soil Science Laboratory, School of Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
Abstract
The present study investigates the presence, sources, and impacts of microplastics (MPs) in different soil types, including agricultural, urban, and forest areas, through a synthesis of results of published scientific papers. MPs originate from a variety of human activities, such as the widespread use of plastic mulch in agriculture and the application of organic fertilizers and treated sewage sludge, as well as from vehicle tire wear, industrial processes, and the gradual degradation of plastic products in the environment. In urban soils, the main sources of MPs are related to road traffic, industrial activity, and landfills, while in forest soils, concentrations are generally lower. However, MPs in forest areas are thought to be carried there by the air, by runoff, or from nearby areas with human activity. Available data show that larger MP particles tend to remain in the surface layers of the soil, while smaller particles can penetrate deeper soil layers, increasing their bioavailability and the likelihood of interaction with microorganisms and plant root systems. In terms of their chemical composition, polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) polymers dominate in agricultural soils, which is directly linked to agricultural practices, while polystyrene (PS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are more frequently detected in urban soils. The morphological types of MPs include fragments, fibers, and films, while their color characteristics provide clues to possible sources of origin, such as plastic ground covers, tire wear, and packaging materials. Overall, the study’s results underscore the growing environmental significance of MP soil pollution and highlight the need for more effective management and recycling of plastic materials, as well as for further interdisciplinary research aimed at understanding the mechanisms of transport, accumulation, and long-term ecological effects of microplastics in terrestrial ecosystems.
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BibTeX
@article{tzitzira2026soil,
title = {{Soil Microplastic Pollution Across Terrestrial Ecosystems: A Review of Sources, Distribution Patterns, Polymer Types and Environmental Implications}},
author = {Eirini Tzitzira and Traianos Minos and Evangelia E. Golia},
journal = {Applied Sciences},
year = {2026},
month = jul,
doi = {10.3390/app16136718},
url = {https://doi.org/10.3390/app16136718},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Soil Microplastic Pollution Across Terrestrial Ecosystems: A Review of Sources, Distribution Patterns, Polymer Types and Environmental Implications
AU - Eirini Tzitzira
AU - Traianos Minos
AU - Evangelia E. Golia
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/07/05
JO - Applied Sciences
DO - 10.3390/app16136718
UR - https://doi.org/10.3390/app16136718
AB - The present study investigates the presence, sources, and impacts of microplastics (MPs) in different soil types, including agricultural, urban, and forest areas, through a synthesis of results of published scientific papers. MPs originate from a variety of human activities, such as the widespread use of plastic mulch in agriculture and the application of organic fertilizers and treated sewage sludge, as well as from vehicle tire wear, industrial processes, and the gradual degradation of plastic products in the environment. In urban soils, the main sources of MPs are related to road traffic, industrial activity, and landfills, while in forest soils, concentrations are generally lower. However, MPs in forest areas are thought to be carried there by the air, by runoff, or from nearby areas with human activity. Available data show that larger MP particles tend to remain in the surface layers of the soil, while smaller particles can penetrate deeper soil layers, increasing their bioavailability and the likelihood of interaction with microorganisms and plant root systems. In terms of their chemical composition, polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) polymers dominate in agricultural soils, which is directly linked to agricultural practices, while polystyrene (PS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are more frequently detected in urban soils. The morphological types of MPs include fragments, fibers, and films, while their color characteristics provide clues to possible sources of origin, such as plastic ground covers, tire wear, and packaging materials. Overall, the study’s results underscore the growing environmental significance of MP soil pollution and highlight the need for more effective management and recycling of plastic materials, as well as for further interdisciplinary research aimed at understanding the mechanisms of transport, accumulation, and long-term ecological effects of microplastics in terrestrial ecosystems.
SN - 2076-3417
ER -