A Review on the Impacts of Microplastics and Environmental Pollutants on Soil Microorganisms

The extensive use of plastic results in a significant release of microplastics into the soil, posing risks to ecosystems and human health. Research on the interaction between microplastics and pollutants and their combined effects is sparse. Understanding how soil microplastics affect microbial communities is crucial for assessing ecological risks. This comprehensive review examines the adsorption and migration mechanisms of microplastics, with a specific focus on their impact on migration. It explores the combined effects of microplastics with organic pollutants and heavy metals, leading to changes in toxicity, bioavailability, and mobility. Additionally, the review investigates how microplastics influence soil microbial communities, revealing alterations in species richness, activity, and structure. The findings of this review highlight the significant impact of microplastics on pollutants, the modifications in toxicity, bioavailability, and mobility of combined pollutants, as well as their influence on soil microbial communities. To comprehensively assess the environmental impact, it is essential to understand how microplastics interact with pollutants. The review underscores the need to comprehend their influence on soil microbes and functions in order to effectively address ecological risks. Future research should prioritize exploring microscale mechanisms and developing strategies to mitigate soil microplastics and associated pollution. The BRIEF REPORT is available for this paper at http://www.ykcs.ac.cn/en/article/doi/10.15898/j.ykcs.202209180175.