Environmental fate, aging, toxicity and potential remediation strategies of microplastics in soil environment: Current progress and future perspectives

Microplastics (MPs) are small plastic debris (<5 mm) that result from the fragmentation of plastic due to physical and physiochemical processes. MPs are emerging pollutants that pose a significant threat to the environment and human health, primarily due to their pervasive presence and potential bioaccumulation within the food web. Despite their importance, there is a lack of comprehensive studies on the fate, toxicity, and aging behavior of MPs. Therefore, this review aims to address this gap by providing a cohesive understanding of several key aspects. Firstly, it summarizes the sources and fate of MPs, highlighting their ubiquitous presence and the potential pathways through which they enter ecosystems. Secondly, it evaluates the aging process of MPs and the factors influencing it, including the morphological and physiological changes observed in crops and the release of pollutants from aged MPs, which can have detrimental effects on the environment and human health. Furthermore, the impacts of aging MPs on various processes are discussed, such as the mobilization of other pollutants in the environment. The influence of aged MPs on the soil environment, particularly their effect on heavy metal adsorption, is examined. Finally, the review explores strategies for the prevention technologies and remediation of MPs, highlighting the importance of developing effective approaches to tackle this issue. Overall, this review aims to contribute to our understanding of MPs, their aging process, and their impacts on the environment and human health. It underscores the urgency of addressing the issue of MPs and promoting research and remediation efforts to mitigate their adverse effects.