Microplastics in soil and freshwater: Understanding sources, distribution, potential impacts, and regulations for management

Abstract

Plastic debris is a complex and persistent environmental contaminant that has received a high amount of attention in the last few years. Understanding the sources, transport, fate, occurrence, and health risks of microplastics (MPs) in the environment is essential as millions of tons of plastic are manufactured and released into the environment. There is a high possibility that MPs will accumulate and retain within continental environments and have effects on the environment and human health. This review elucidates the outcomes of studies related to the prevalence, transport, fate, and health risks of MPs in soil and freshwater environments. The review shows that the sources of MPs are diverse and extensive and their occurrence, transport, fate, and health risks in the environment are affected by their physico-chemical characteristics and by natural factors. Implemented legislation or regulatory plans to reduce MPs contamination of the environment have been reviewed in this study. Moreover, management options are presented.