Global concentrations of microplastic in soils, a review
Frederick Büks, Martin Kaupenjohann
Abstract
Abstract. Worldwide, microplastic (MP) has been commonly recognized as a threat for soil ecosystems. Terrestrial soils are widely contaminated by MP due to the application of sewage sludge and wastewater, plastic mulching, littering, the input of tire wear from roads and atmospheric deposition. Within the last decade, an increasing number of individual studies focused on item counts and masses of MP in different global soil environments. We reviewed these studies to achieve a representative picture of common degrees of contamination. The majority of the prospected agricultural and horticultural sites was exposed to sewage sludge and mulching film application and showed concentrations of
Topics & Concepts
Environmental scienceMulchSoil waterContaminationSewageSewage sludgeEcosystemWastewaterEnvironmental chemistryEnvironmental engineeringDeposition (geology)AgricultureEnvironmental protectionWaste managementEcologySoil scienceSedimentEngineeringChemistryGeologyBiologyPaleontologyMicroplastics and Plastic PollutionRecycling and Waste Management Techniquesbiodegradable polymer synthesis and properties