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Article | REF: AM9010 V1

Soil Contamination by Plastics and Microplastics

Authors: Maialen PALAZOT, Lata SOCCALINGAME, Marion YVIN, Delphine CIREDERF BOULANT, Mikaël KEDZIERSKI, Stéphane BRUZAUD

Publication date: December 10, 2022

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ABSTRACT

This article provides an overall review of the plastic pollution in solid terrestrial environments. The first part describes the main routes of entry of plastics into soils, in particular those associated with certain agricultural uses. Then, the different degradation mechanisms of plastics in these environments and their transport are discussed. The impacts of plastics are described according to three axes: the influence on the physicochemical properties of the soil, the interactions with the other pollutants and the possible consequences on the biota. Finally, some elements of response are proposed to address this environmental issue.

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AUTHORS

  • Maialen PALAZOT: Design Engineer - Université Bretagne Sud, Institut de Recherche Dupuy de Lôme, UMR CNRS 6027, Lorient, France

  • Lata SOCCALINGAME: Research engineer - Université Bretagne Sud, Institut de Recherche Dupuy de Lôme, UMR CNRS 6027, Lorient, France

  • Marion YVIN: Design Engineer - Université Bretagne Sud, Institut de Recherche Dupuy de Lôme, UMR CNRS 6027, Lorient, France

  • Delphine CIREDERF BOULANT: Design Engineer - Université Bretagne Sud, Institut de Recherche Dupuy de Lôme, UMR CNRS 6027, Lorient, France

  • Mikaël KEDZIERSKI: Senior Lecturer - Université Bretagne Sud, Institut de Recherche Dupuy de Lôme, UMR CNRS 6027, Lorient, France

  • Stéphane BRUZAUD: University Professor - Université Bretagne Sud, Institut de Recherche Dupuy de Lôme, UMR CNRS 6027, Lorient, France

 INTRODUCTION

Plastic materials result from the combination of synthetic or natural polymers and additives. Their development has been exponential and uninterrupted since the 1950s. Thanks to their functional properties, light weight, durability and low cost, they are used in a wide range of industrial applications such as packaging, automotive and agriculture. It is estimated that less than 9% of plastic waste is recycled, and less than 12% incinerated. The remainder - around 5 billion tonnes if we consider the period between 1950 and 2015 - has been buried or abandoned in the natural environment. .

It's only since the 1970s that the presence of plastic particles has been highlighted in the environment. The first mention of "microplastics" dates back to 2004, and refers to plastic particles smaller than 5 mm. . Since then, numerous studies have revealed the presence of plastic particles in various environmental matrices, including in soils from the most urbanized and industrialized areas to those in the most remote areas. .

The solid media described in this article include both continental soils, with a particular focus on agricultural soils, and organic matter destined for land application. It provides an overview of current knowledge and describes the main sources of plastics in soils, their behavior and impact, as well as the possible solutions needed to meet the challenges of this environmental issue.

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KEYWORDS

biodegradation   |   solid terrestrial environments   |   agricultural uses   |   biota   |   interactions with other pollutants

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Soil contamination by plastics and microplastics
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