Agricultural Soil Pollution by Plastics: An Overview of the Main Aspects

The use of plastic products has significantly improved various agricultural practices due to their unique characteristics. Common applications include greenhouse coverings, mulching films, nets, irrigation pipes, bags and containers. However, the benefits are countered by negative environmental impacts. The main problems are due to the fragmentation of plastics during their use and to the mismanagement practices at their end-of-life. Agricultural plastics are susceptible to deterioration from weathering, mechanical, chemical and biological agents. As a result, plastics form micro and nanoplastics that contaminate the environment, easily transported into the atmosphere, soil and water. Soil pollution by plastic negatively impacts the soil-plant system with deleterious effects on soil properties, plant development and poses a threat to the food chain. Although research on micro and nanoplastics in aquatic ecosystems is more extensive, agricultural soils are particularly vulnerable due to the significant quantities of plastic utilized. This study aims to provide a review of the available scientific literature on the release of plastic residues in soil.