Work

Microplastic pollution in soil and groundwater: a review

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: Plastic particles of less than 5 mm size, referred as microplastics, have recently become a major environmental issue. While microplastics are well known in marine and lake systems, there have been less investigations in soils and groundwater. Here we review the origin, shape, impact, and mitigation strategies of soil and groundwater microplastics. We found that littering is the main origin of microplastics in global topsoils, while greenhouses are the main source of microplastics in South Korea. Fibers and pellets are dominant microplastic shapes in soil and groundwater. Microplastic contamination of soil and groundwater is detrimental to human health, plants, nematodes, earthworms, and soil properties. Remediation methods include pyrolysis, replacing plastics by biodegradable plastics, plastic filtration, and subsequent chemical or biological degradation.

Source: Environmental Chemistry Letters

DOI: 10.1007/s10311-021-01297-6

Authors: Rogers Wainkwa Chia, Jin-Yong Lee, Heejung Kim, Jiwook Jang

Institution: Kangwon National University

Language: English

Topic: Microplastics and Plastic Pollution

Subfield: Pollution

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Life on land, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,860