Occurrence, behavior, and fate of microplastics in agricultural and livestock wastes and their impact on farmers fields

Microplastics are small plastic particles that have become an emerging environmental concern in recent years. They are ubiquitous and persistent in various ecosystems, including oceans, rivers, and agricultural soil. Microplastics can be added to agricultural fields through the use of plastics in agricultural activities or through the application of organic manure and sewage sludge. In agricultural fields, agricultural and livestock wastes, such as manure, compost, plastic mulch, and sewage sludge, have been identified as major sources of microplastics (MPs). The MPs in these wastes are primarily derived from synthetic textiles, plastic packaging, waste from farming equipment, the use of plastic materials in farming activities, and the ingestion of plastic particles by animals. Microplastics can also end up in nearby fields through transport, water runoff, or atmospheric deposition. The behavior and fate of MPs in agricultural wastes are influenced by various factors, including waste management practices, soil type, and climatic conditions. Microplastics can move deeper into the soil and interact with plant roots, or they can adsorb organic and inorganic compounds and influence their transport and distribution in the soil. The long-term fate of MPs in the soil is still not well understood, but it is known that they can persist in the environment for hundreds of years and can potentially affect soil quality and plant growth. Microplastics can reduce soil porosity and nutrient availability, which can lead to decreased crop yields. Furthermore, MPs can enter the food chain and pose a risk to livestock and human health. This chapter aims to review the occurrence, behavior, and fate of MPs in agricultural and livestock wastes and their impact on agricultural fields.