Microplastics. The impact on soil and water

Plastic has become an integral part of our modern lives. Plastic is everywhere and its improper disposal has a negative impact on our planet, polluting the soil and water. In recent years we can observe a particular focus on microplastics as a significant threat due to its size and therefore ease in polluting. Microplastic is classified as any plastic particle which is less than 5mm in length. It poses many harmful effects on humans, birds, marine organisms, agriculture, and soil. 

Microplastics play a major role in marine pollution. They have been observed on the shore, sea surface, sea surface and seabed including the Arctic Sea and Atlantic waters. They were also detected in freshwaters of Europe, North America, and Asia. Due to size, microplastics can be easily ingested and accumulated by aquatic animals and organisms (from zooplankton to cetaceans, seabirds, and marine reptiles) which can pose many harmful effects including their suffocation. 

There are two routes of how microplastics can enter the soil, it is either via direct discharge or indirect effect. Direct discharge can be made via plastic mulching, or the fertilizer application of plastic containing compost. The indirect effect occurs when untreated wastewater, sewage, flooding with river and lake water act as a pathway for the plastic into the soil. Polyester and polypropylene are the most common type of microplastics seen in the soil. The study by Zhao et all found that 16 out of 17 terrestrial birds had a microscopic litter in their gastrointestinal tracts. Another study showed how bees can incorporate microplastics into their hive which not only effect they honeybee population growth but can also enter the human food chain through honey.