Interaction of microplastics and soil animals in agricultural ecosystems

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging contaminants which have been widely detected in agricultural ecosystems. Soil fauna plays an important role in maintaining soil health and biodiversity, yet relationship of soil animals and MPs has not been systematically analyzed until now. MPs can be ingested by soil animals, and induce fake satiety, weak nutrition supply, oxidative stress, intestinal damages and other adverse effects. In turn, activity of soil animals can transport, fragment, and even degrade (micro)plastics, and further influence the fate of MPs in soil. Our current opinion is that MPs can mutually act with soil animals in agricultural ecosystems. The ecological and health risks of MPs associated with soil ecosystems need serious considerations and further research in the future.