Micro- and Nano-plastics in Soil and Crop Systems

Abstract

This book is an open access book on micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) in soil and crop systems addresses a critical knowledge gap as plastic pollution increasingly infiltrates terrestrial ecosystems. It compiles the information on how MNPs enter agricultural systems through practices like plastic mulching, wastewater irrigation, and sludge application, offering insights into their long-term environmental effects. This book also highlights the potential disruptions MNPs cause to soil health, such as reduced fertility, impaired nutrient cycling and altered water retention. It also investigates their effects on crop growth, including their uptake by plants and the potential for these pollutants to enter the food chain, raising concerns about human health. This resource is crucial for researchers, policymakers and agricultural practitioners, offering practical solutions to mitigate plastic contamination in farming. It provides evidence-based recommendations for sustainable agricultural practices and contributes to developing environmental policies aimed at reducing plastic pollution in soils, ensuring food security and protecting ecosystem health.