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Effects of microplastics on farmland soils and plants: a review

Author

Listed:
  • Minhua Zhang

    (College of Agriculture, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P.R. China)

  • Weiguan Li

    (Henan Provincial Tobacco Corporation, Zhengzhou, P.R. China)

  • Qingkui Li

    (China Tobacco Henan Import and Export Limited Company, Zhengzhou, P.R. China)

  • Aneela Younas

    (College of Agriculture, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P.R. China)

  • Muhammad Shaaban

    (College of Agriculture, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P.R. China)

  • Yuyang Li

    (College of Agriculture, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P.R. China)

  • Jing Liu

    (College of Agriculture, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P.R. China)

  • Yanfang Wang

    (College of Agriculture, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P.R. China)

  • Zhanqiang Ma

    (College of Agriculture, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P.R. China)

  • Zhaoyong Shi

    (College of Agriculture, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P.R. China)

  • Hongtao Shen

    (Technology Centre, China Tobacco Henan Industrial Limited Company, Zhengzhou, P.R. China)

  • Ling Liu

    (College of Agriculture, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P.R. China)

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) are plastic particles smaller than 5 mm in size, which are widely present and have become one of the major pollutants in the natural environment, and are increasingly recognised as emerging pollutants in agricultural ecosystems. Due to their small size and high mobility, MPs can easily migrate into farmland soils and attach to plant surfaces, thereby altering the physical, chemical and microbial properties of the soil. These changes may affect seed germination, plant growth, and physiological and biochemical functions. This review systematically synthesises current research on the impact of MPs on agricultural soil, focusing on their effects on soil structure, chemical properties and microbial diversity. The positive and negative effects of MPs on plant seed germination, growth, and physiological and biochemical processes are critically analysed. Furthermore, the potential ecological risks of MPs to soil and plant health are discussed. Mitigation strategies and future research priorities are proposed to address MPs contamination in agricultural systems. This study aims to provide both theoretical insights and practical references to support the prevention and control of MPs pollution in farmland soils, thereby contributing to sustainable agricultural development and soil ecosystem resilience.

Suggested Citation

  • Minhua Zhang & Weiguan Li & Qingkui Li & Aneela Younas & Muhammad Shaaban & Yuyang Li & Jing Liu & Yanfang Wang & Zhanqiang Ma & Zhaoyong Shi & Hongtao Shen & Ling Liu, 2025. "Effects of microplastics on farmland soils and plants: a review," Plant, Soil and Environment, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 71(12), pages 829-848.
    • Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlpse:v:71:y:2025:i:12:id:180-2025-pse
    DOI: 10.17221/180/2025-PSE
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Monther M. Tahat & Kholoud M. Alananbeh & Yahia A. Othman & Daniel I. Leskovar, 2020. "Soil Health and Sustainable Agriculture," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(12), pages 1-26, June.
    2. Lin Wang & Yi Liu & Mandeep Kaur & Zhisheng Yao & Taizheng Chen & Ming Xu, 2021. "Phytotoxic Effects of Polyethylene Microplastics on the Growth of Food Crops Soybean ( Glycine max ) and Mung Bean ( Vigna radiata )," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(20), pages 1-15, October.
    3. Sunny Dhiman & Chhavi Sharma & Anu Kumar & Puneet Pathak & Shiv Dutt Purohit, 2023. "Microplastics in Aquatic and Food Ecosystems: Remediation Coupled with Circular Economy Solutions to Create Resource from Waste," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-26, September.
    4. Xiaolei Zeng & Xinyue Yang & Xianhuan Tang & Lixian Xu & Jing Hu & Mingcheng Wang & Gefu Wang-Pruski & Zhizhong Zhang, 2024. "The Effect of Microplastics with Different Types, Particle Sizes, and Concentrations on the Germination of Non-Heading Chinese Cabbage Seed," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-17, November.
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