Ubiquitous presence of microplastics with implication on soil health and plant development

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Microplastics have emerged as a widespread environmental contaminant, infiltrating terrestrial ecosystems at alarming levels due to their persistence and ubiquitous use in modern life. Their presence in soils is now well-documented, stemming from agricultural practices such as plastic mulching, wastewater irrigation, sewage sludge application, and atmospheric deposition. Once in the soil, microplastics alter its physical, chemical, and biological properties, impacting soil porosity, water retention, nutrient cycling, and microbial community dynamics. These changes disrupt soil health and reduce its capacity to support sustainable agriculture. Moreover, microplastics can adsorb and transport toxic chemicals and heavy metals, which may further compromise soil quality. Their interaction with plant roots can hinder germination, reduce nutrient uptake, and impair growth, leading to diminished productivity. Over time, this poses significant challenges for food security, ecosystem functioning, and environmental resilience. Understanding the long-term implications of microplastic pollution in soils is critical for developing sustainable management strategies that protect both soil health and plant development.

Hashtags:
#Microplastics #SoilHealth #PlantDevelopment #SoilPollution #PlasticContamination #SustainableAgriculture #SoilEcosystems #SoilMicrobes #SoilDegradation #SoilFertility #EnvironmentalPollution #SoilScience #SoilManagement #PollutionImpact #PlantGrowth #SoilSustainability #EcosystemHealth #SoilResearch #SoilContamination #AgriculturalSoils #PlasticPollution #SoilQuality #SoilConservation #SoilBiodiversity #SoilAndPlants





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