The frontier of microplastics and nanoplastics: Soil health and carbon neutrality

Abstract

Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) in soil have drawn increasing concerns about their potential threats to the soil ecosystem due to their ubiquitous occurrence and persistence. The interactions of MNPs with soil components, microbial community, plants, and fauna determine their impacts on soil biogeochemical processes and food security. However, they are not largely explored. Further research is also needed to develop reliable and standardized techniques and methods to characterize the relevant MNPs interacting with different types of soil ecosystem, and to deeply examine their impacts on soil health, food security, and climate changes. In addition, mitigation protocols and regulation guidelines need to be developed. New findings will provide scientific and technological support for the understanding and management of soil health and carbon neutrality as influenced by MNPs.