Plastics used in agriculture, commonly known as agriplastics (AP), offer numerous advantages in terrestrial agriculture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture, but the diffusion of AP-intensive practices has led to extensive pollution. This review aims to synthesise scientific and policy discussions surrounding AP, examining evidence of their benefits and detrimental environmental and agricultural impacts. Following the proposal of a preliminary general taxonomy of AP, this paper presents the findings from a survey conducted among international experts from the plastic industry, farmer organisations, NGOs and environmental research institutes. This analysis highlights knowledge gaps, demands and perspectives for the sustainable future use of AP. Stakeholder positions vary on the options of \uffe2\uff80\uff98rejection\uffe2\uff80\uff99 or \uffe2\uff80\uff98reduction\uffe2\uff80\uff99 of AP, as well as the role of alternative materials such as (bio)degradable and compostable plastics. However, there is consensus on critical issues such as redesign, labelling, traceability, environmental safety standards, deployment and retrieval standards, as well as innovative waste management approaches. All stakeholders express concern for the environment. A \uffe2\uff80\uff98best practice\uffe2\uff80\uff99-based circular model was elaborated capturing these perspectives. In the context of global food systems increasingly reliant on AP, scientists emphasise the need to simultaneously preserve nature-based and traditional knowledge-based sustainable agricultural practices to enhance food system resilience.Tire particles (TPs) are a major source of microplastic on land, and considering their chemical composition, they represent a potential hazard for the terrestrial environment. We studied the effects of TPs at environmentally relevant concentrations along a wide concentration gradient (0\uffe2\uff80\uff93160 mg g\uffe2\uff88\uff921) and tested the effects on plant growth, soil pH and the key ecosystem process of litter decomposition and soil respiration. The addition of TPs negatively affected shoot and root growth already at low concentrations. Tea litter decomposition slightly increased with lower additions of TPs but decreased later on. Soil pH increased until a TP concentration of 80 mg g\uffe2\uff88\uff921 and leveled off afterwards. Soil respiration clearly increased with increasing concentration of added TPs. Plant growth was likely reduced with starting contamination and stopped when contamination reached a certain level in the soil. The presence of TPs altered a number of biogeochemical soil parameters that can have further effects on plant performance. Considering the quantities of yearly produced TPs, their persistence, and toxic potential, we assume that these particles will eventually have a significant impact on terrestrial ecosystems.
", "keywords": ["570", "Soil respiration ; Soil pH ; Litter decomposition ; Microplastic pollution ; Tire particles ; Soil Pollution", " Control", " and Remediation ; Research Article ; Plant growth", "Litter decomposition", "Soil respiration", "Soil pH", "500 Naturwissenschaften und Mathematik::570 Biowissenschaften; Biologie::570 Biowissenschaften; Biologie", "04 agricultural and veterinary sciences", "15. Life on land", "Microplastic pollution", "01 natural sciences", "6. Clean water", "13. Climate action", "Tire particles", "0401 agriculture", " forestry", " and fisheries", "Plant growth", "0105 earth and related environmental sciences"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s42832-021-0114-2.pdf"}, {"href": "https://doi.org/10.1007/s42832-021-0114-2"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Soil%20Ecology%20Letters", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1007/s42832-021-0114-2", "name": "item", "description": "10.1007/s42832-021-0114-2", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1007/s42832-021-0114-2"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2021-04-20T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174881", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-06-26T16:18:19Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2024-07-22", "title": "The time for ambitious action is now: Science-based recommendations for plastic chemicals to inform an effective global plastic treaty", "description": "Open AccessPublished by Elsevier Science, Amsterdam [u.a.]", "keywords": ["Faculty of Law", "330", "Human Rights", "United Nations", "[SDE.MCG]Environmental Sciences/Global Changes", "Microplastics", "International Cooperation", "/dk/atira/pure/core/keywords/TheFacultyOfLaw", "610", "Transparency", "PLASTIC CHEMICALS", "01 natural sciences", "12. Responsible consumption", "https://purl.org/becyt/ford/1.5", "11. Sustainability", "Human rights", "Humans", "Microplastics", " Global plastic treaty", " Human rights", " Nanoplastics", " Source reduction", " Transparency", "/dk/atira/pure/sustainabledevelopmentgoals/good_health_and_well_being; name=SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being", "https://purl.org/becyt/ford/1", "info:eu-repo/classification/ddc/610", "PLASTIC POLLUTION", "0105 earth and related environmental sciences", "MICROPLASTICS", "16. Peace & justice", "Global plastic treaty", "Environmental Policy", "3. Good health", "[SDE.BE] Environmental Sciences/Biodiversity and Ecology", "[SDE.MCG] Environmental Sciences/Global Changes", "Source reduction", "13. Climate action", "Global Plastics Treaty", "Environmental Pollutants", "Nanoplastics", "[SDE.BE]Environmental Sciences/Biodiversity and Ecology", "Environmental Pollution", "Plastics"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174881"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Science%20of%20The%20Total%20Environment", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174881", "name": "item", "description": "10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174881", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174881"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2024-11-01T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115097", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-06-26T16:17:29Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2020-06-30", "title": "Impact of plastic mulch film debris on soil physicochemical and hydrological properties", "description": "The plastic mulch films used in agriculture are considered to be a major source of the plastic residues found in soil. Mulching with low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is widely practiced and the resulting macro- and microscopic plastic residues in agricultural soil have aroused concerns for years. Over the past decades, a variety of biodegradable (Bio) plastics have been developed in the hope of reducing plastic contamination of the terrestrial ecosystem. However, the impact of these Bio plastics in agroecosystems have not been sufficiently studied. Therefore, we investigated the impact of macro (around 5\u00a0mm) and micro (<1\u00a0mm) sized plastic debris from LDPE and one type of starch-based Bio mulch film on soil physicochemical and hydrological properties. We used environmentally relevant concentrations of plastics, ranging from 0 to 2% (w/w), identified by field studies and literature review. We studied the effects of the plastic residue on a sandy soil for one month in a laboratory experiment. The bulk density, porosity, saturated hydraulic conductivity, field capacity and soil water repellency were altered significantly in the presence of the four kinds of plastic debris, while pH, electrical conductivity and aggregate stability were not substantially affected. Overall, our research provides clear experimental evidence that microplastics affect soil properties. The type, size and content of plastic debris as well as the interactions between these three factors played complex roles in the variations of the measured soil parameters. Living in a plastic era, it is crucial to conduct further interdisciplinary studies in order to have a comprehensive understanding of plastic debris in soil and agroecosystems.", "keywords": ["2. Zero hunger", "Microplastics", "0211 other engineering and technologies", "Agriculture", "02 engineering and technology", "15. Life on land", "Biodegradable plastic", "Agricultural soil", "01 natural sciences", "Soil quality", "Soil", "13. Climate action", "Plastic pollution", "international", "Soil Pollutants", "Hydrology", "Plastics", "Plan_S-Compliant_TA", "Ecosystem", "0105 earth and related environmental sciences"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115097"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Environmental%20Pollution", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115097", "name": "item", "description": "10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115097", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115097"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2020-11-01T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1016/j.foodres.2024.114342", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-06-26T16:17:35Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2024-04-23", "title": "Microplastics in seafood: Consumer preferences and valuation for mitigation technologies", "description": "AbstractMicroplastics, an emerging pollutant, have garnered widespread attention due to potential repercussions on human health and the environment. Given the critical role of seafood in food security, growing concerns about microplastics might be detrimental to meeting future global food demand. This study employs a discrete choice experiment to investigate Chilean consumers' preferences for technology aimed at mitigating microplastic levels in mussels. Using a between-subjects design with information treatments, we examined the impact of informing consumers about potential human health and environmental effects linked to microplastics pollution on their valuation for the technology. We found that the information treatments increased consumers\uffe2\uff80\uff99 willingness to pay for them. Specifically, consumers\uffe2\uff80\uff99 willingness to pay for mussels with a 90% depuration efficiency certification is around US$ 4. The provision of health impact information increased the price premium by 56%, while the provision of environmental information increased it by 21%. Furthermore, combined health and environmental information significantly increased the probability of non-purchasing behavior by 22.8% and the risk perception of microplastics for human health by 5.8%. These results emphasize the critical role of information in shaping consumer preferences and provide evidence for validating investment in research and development related to microplastic pollution mitigation measures.Plastics used in agriculture, commonly known as agriplastics (AP), offer numerous advantages in terrestrial agriculture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture, but the diffusion of AP-intensive practices has led to extensive pollution. This review aims to synthesise scientific and policy discussions surrounding AP, examining evidence of their benefits and detrimental environmental and agricultural impacts. Following the proposal of a preliminary general taxonomy of AP, this paper presents the findings from a survey conducted among international experts from the plastic industry, farmer organisations, NGOs and environmental research institutes. This analysis highlights knowledge gaps, demands and perspectives for the sustainable future use of AP. Stakeholder positions vary on the options of \uffe2\uff80\uff98rejection\uffe2\uff80\uff99 or \uffe2\uff80\uff98reduction\uffe2\uff80\uff99 of AP, as well as the role of alternative materials such as (bio)degradable and compostable plastics. However, there is consensus on critical issues such as redesign, labelling, traceability, environmental safety standards, deployment and retrieval standards, as well as innovative waste management approaches. All stakeholders express concern for the environment. A \uffe2\uff80\uff98best practice\uffe2\uff80\uff99-based circular model was elaborated capturing these perspectives. In the context of global food systems increasingly reliant on AP, scientists emphasise the need to simultaneously preserve nature-based and traditional knowledge-based sustainable agricultural practices to enhance food system resilience.Microplastic as an anthropogenic pollutant accumulates in terrestrial ecosystems over time, threatening soil quality and health, for example by decreasing aggregate stability. Organic matter addition is an efficient approach to promote aggregate stability, yet little is known about whether microplastic can reduce the beneficial effect of organic matter on aggregate stability. We investigated the impacts of microplastic fibers in the presence or absence of different organic materials by carrying out a soil incubation experiment. This experiment was set up as a fully factorial design containing all combinations of microplastic fibers (no microplastic fiber addition, two different types of polyester fibers, and polyacrylic) and organic matter (no organic matter addition, Medicago lupulina leaves, Plantago lanceolata leaves, wheat straw, and hemp stems). We evaluated the percentage of water-stable aggregates (WSA) and activities of four soil enzymes (\uffce\uffb2-glucosidase, \uffce\uffb2-D-celluliosidase, N-acetyl-b-glucosaminidase, phosphatase). Organic matter addition increased WSA and enzyme activities, as expected. In particular, Plantago or wheat straw addition increased WSA and enzyme activities by 224.77 or 281.65% and 298.51 or 55.45%, respectively. Microplastic fibers had no effect on WSA and enzyme activities in the soil without organic matter addition, but decreased WSA and enzyme activities by 26.20 or 37.57% and 23.85 or 26.11%, respectively, in the presence of Plantago or wheat straw. Our study shows that the effects of microplastic fibers on soil aggregation and enzyme activities are organic matter dependent. A possible reason is that Plantago and wheat straw addition stimulated soil aggregation to a greater degree, resulting in more newly formed aggregates containing microplastic, the incorporated microplastic fibers led to less stable aggregates, and decrease in enzyme activities This highlights an important aspect of the context dependency of microplastic effects in soil and on soil health. Our results also suggest risks for soil stability associated with organic matter additions, such as is common in agroecosystems, when microplastics are present.
", "keywords": ["2. Zero hunger", "570", "soil health", "soil aggregate stability", "500 Naturwissenschaften und Mathematik::570 Biowissenschaften; Biologie::570 Biowissenschaften; Biologie", "04 agricultural and veterinary sciences", "15. Life on land", "01 natural sciences", "enzyme activity", "Environmental sciences", "plastic pollution", "13. Climate action", "0401 agriculture", " forestry", " and fisheries", "GE1-350", "soil structure", "microplastic", "organic matter", "0105 earth and related environmental sciences"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2021.650155"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Frontiers%20in%20Environmental%20Science", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.3389/fenvs.2021.650155", "name": "item", "description": "10.3389/fenvs.2021.650155", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.3389/fenvs.2021.650155"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2021-04-06T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "3037291693", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-06-26T16:30:07Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2020-06-30", "title": "Impact of plastic mulch film debris on soil physicochemical and hydrological properties", "description": "The plastic mulch films used in agriculture are considered to be a major source of the plastic residues found in soil. Mulching with low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is widely practiced and the resulting macro- and microscopic plastic residues in agricultural soil have aroused concerns for years. Over the past decades, a variety of biodegradable (Bio) plastics have been developed in the hope of reducing plastic contamination of the terrestrial ecosystem. However, the impact of these Bio plastics in agroecosystems have not been sufficiently studied. Therefore, we investigated the impact of macro (around 5\u00a0mm) and micro (<1\u00a0mm) sized plastic debris from LDPE and one type of starch-based Bio mulch film on soil physicochemical and hydrological properties. We used environmentally relevant concentrations of plastics, ranging from 0 to 2% (w/w), identified by field studies and literature review. We studied the effects of the plastic residue on a sandy soil for one month in a laboratory experiment. The bulk density, porosity, saturated hydraulic conductivity, field capacity and soil water repellency were altered significantly in the presence of the four kinds of plastic debris, while pH, electrical conductivity and aggregate stability were not substantially affected. Overall, our research provides clear experimental evidence that microplastics affect soil properties. The type, size and content of plastic debris as well as the interactions between these three factors played complex roles in the variations of the measured soil parameters. Living in a plastic era, it is crucial to conduct further interdisciplinary studies in order to have a comprehensive understanding of plastic debris in soil and agroecosystems.", "keywords": ["2. Zero hunger", "Microplastics", "0211 other engineering and technologies", "Agriculture", "02 engineering and technology", "15. Life on land", "Biodegradable plastic", "Agricultural soil", "01 natural sciences", "Soil quality", "Soil", "13. Climate action", "Plastic pollution", "international", "Soil Pollutants", "Hydrology", "Plastics", "Plan_S-Compliant_TA", "Ecosystem", "0105 earth and related environmental sciences"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/3037291693"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Environmental%20Pollution", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "3037291693", "name": "item", "description": "3037291693", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/3037291693"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2020-11-01T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.5281/zenodo.10927880", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-06-26T16:24:57Z", "type": "Dataset", "title": "Raw data for the submitted manuscript entitled \"Prospective Scenarios for Addressing the Agricultural Plastic Waste Issue: Results of a Territorial Analysis\"", "description": "Agricultural activities have been positively affected by the use of plastic products, but this has resulted in the production of plastic waste and led to an increase in environmental pollution.\u00a0 This file concerns plastic waste indices to different crop types and plastic products allowed quantifying and georeferencing actual plastic waste production. Two improved scenarios were considered, the first consisted of extending the lifespan of some plastics, and the second entailed the introduction of some biodegradable alternatives.", "keywords": ["plastic waste management", "plastic pollution", "agricultural plastic waste", "GIS", "plastic detection"], "contacts": [{"organization": "Vox, Giuliano, Convertino, Fabiana, Hachem, Ali,", "roles": ["creator"]}]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10927880"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.5281/zenodo.10927880", "name": "item", "description": "10.5281/zenodo.10927880", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.5281/zenodo.10927880"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2024-04-04T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.5281/zenodo.10927881", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-06-26T16:24:57Z", "type": "Dataset", "title": "Raw data for the submitted manuscript entitled \"Prospective Scenarios for Addressing the Agricultural Plastic Waste Issue: Results of a Territorial Analysis\"", "description": "Agricultural activities have been positively affected by the use of plastic products, but this has resulted in the production of plastic waste and led to an increase in environmental pollution.\u00a0 This file concerns plastic waste indices to different crop types and plastic products allowed quantifying and georeferencing actual plastic waste production. Two improved scenarios were considered, the first consisted of extending the lifespan of some plastics, and the second entailed the introduction of some biodegradable alternatives.", "keywords": ["plastic waste management", "plastic pollution", "agricultural plastic waste", "GIS", "plastic detection"], "contacts": [{"organization": "Vox, Giuliano, Convertino, Fabiana, Hachem, Ali,", "roles": ["creator"]}]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10927881"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.5281/zenodo.10927881", "name": "item", "description": "10.5281/zenodo.10927881", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.5281/zenodo.10927881"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2024-04-04T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.5281/zenodo.15187631", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-06-26T16:25:53Z", "type": "Dataset", "title": "Supporting data of the paper: Plastic pollution of soils \u2013 assessing EU policies to address a poorly regulated field", "description": "In our research paper we discuss the effectiveness of selected EU policies to protect soils from plastic pollution. In this published policy profile, we provide an additional overview of all international and EU policies related to plastic pollution of soils. The results of our research show that the policy instruments assessed address some entry pathways of micro- and nanoplastics into soils, but fail to comprehensively limit plastic pollution. In fact, all policies suffer from multiple governance problems, such as lack of target stringency, and shifting and rebound effects. The impact on soil plastic pollution remains limited. We therefore recommend aligning plastics policies with climate policies in line with the Paris Agreement, and also limiting plastic production through appropriate policy instruments such as cap-and-trade schemes.", "keywords": ["Governance of Plastics", "Soil Monitoring Law", "Microplastics", "Plastic Pollution", "EU Policy", "Nanoplastics", "Soil Pollution"], "contacts": [{"organization": "Stubenrauch, Jessica, Heyl, Katharine,", "roles": ["creator"]}]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15187631"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.5281/zenodo.15187631", "name": "item", "description": "10.5281/zenodo.15187631", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.5281/zenodo.15187631"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2025-04-10T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10261/398147", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"license": "Open Access", "updated": "2026-06-26T16:28:21Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2025-06-20", "title": "Effect of Preferential Microplastics Leaching Through Macropores on Vertical Soil Particle Transport", "description": "ABSTRACTMicroplastic particles are an emerging pollutant that can be transported through preferential pathways, such as macropores. Agricultural soils, prone to microplastic contamination, often have macroporosity due to biological activity, natural formation of soil aggregates, desiccation cracks, or no\uffe2\uff80\uff90till practices. However, little is known about the factors controlling microplastic leaching through soil macropores. In this study, artificial soil\uffe2\uff80\uff90like macroporosity (2.5% v/v) was developed in packed soil columns to investigate the effect of macropore size, that is, 2, 3 and 4\uffe2\uff80\uff89mm, on the leaching of microplastics of three sizes, that is, 53\uffe2\uff80\uff9363, 75\uffe2\uff80\uff9390 and 125\uffe2\uff80\uff93150\uffe2\uff80\uff89\uffce\uffbcm, and the influence of both factors on the vertical mobilisation of soil particles. Under artificial rainfall (30.6\uffe2\uff80\uff89mm\uffe2\uff80\uff89h \uffe2\uff88\uff921 for 30\uffe2\uff80\uff89min), microplastics were preferentially leached, with over 50% of the 75\uffe2\uff80\uff9390\uffe2\uff80\uff89\uffce\uffbcm and 125\uffe2\uff80\uff93150\uffe2\uff80\uff89\uffce\uffbcm particles transported, regardless of macropore size. Macropores without microplastics leached a significant amount of soil particles. Macropore characteristics, including pore diameter, number, and surface area, were strongly correlated with vertical soil particle transport. Microplastics increased vertical soil particle transport through macropores by a factor of about 1.6. A conceptual framework was developed to explain the observed mechanisms, emphasising the collisional forces exerted by microplastic particles detaching soil particles. Our results suggest that microplastic flow induced additional stress on macropore walls, intensifying soil particle mobilisation. This study also highlights that macropores (i.e., biopores) might be an underestimated driver of microplastic transport in the vadose zone and their role in intensifying vertical displacement of surface soil to subsurface layers. Given the environmental implications, further research will be needed to study these processes under field conditions. 20\u00a0mm, MaPs) input via biowaste collection into an industrial composting plant, and, then determined MiP concentrations at five stages during the composting process (before and after shredding and screening processes), and in the water used for irrigation. The total concentrations of MaPs in the biowaste collected from four different German districts ranged from 0.36 to 1.95\u00a0kg ton-1 biowaste, with polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) representing the most abundant types. The 'non-foil' and 'foil' plastics occurred in similar amounts (0.51\u00a0\u00b1\u00a00.1\u00a0kg ton-1 biowaste), with an average load of 0.08\u00a0\u00b1\u00a00.01 items kg-1 and 0.05\u00a0\u00b1\u00a00.01 items kg-1, respectively. Only 0.3\u00a0\u00b1\u00a00.1\u00a0kg MaP t-1 biowaste was biodegradable plastic. Compost treatment by shredding tripled the total number of MaPs and MiPs to 33 items kg-1, indicating an enrichment of particles during the process and potential fragmentation. Noticeably, a substantial amount of small MiPs (up to 22,714\u00a0\u00b1\u00a02,975 particles L-1) were found in the rainwater used for compost moistening, being thus an additional, generally overlooked plastic source for compost. Our results highlight that reducing plastic input via biowaste is key for minimizing MiP contamination of compost.", "keywords": ["ddc:550", "Composting", "Industrial Waste", "600", "Biowaste", "Irrigation water", "Microplastic pollution", "620", "Refuse Disposal", "Soil", "Waste Management", "Fragmentation", "Germany", "Life Science", "Fertilizers", "Plastics"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/10261/399158"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Waste%20Management", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10261/399158", "name": "item", "description": "10261/399158", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10261/399158"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2025-02-01T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "11336/263764", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-06-26T16:28:40Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2024-07-22", "title": "The time for ambitious action is now: Science-based recommendations for plastic chemicals to inform an effective global plastic treaty", "description": "Open AccessPublished by Elsevier Science, Amsterdam [u.a.]", "keywords": ["Faculty of Law", "330", "Human Rights", "United Nations", "[SDE.MCG]Environmental Sciences/Global Changes", "Microplastics", "International Cooperation", "/dk/atira/pure/core/keywords/TheFacultyOfLaw", "610", "Transparency", "PLASTIC CHEMICALS", "01 natural sciences", "12. Responsible consumption", "https://purl.org/becyt/ford/1.5", "11. Sustainability", "Human rights", "Humans", "Microplastics", " Global plastic treaty", " Human rights", " Nanoplastics", " Source reduction", " Transparency", "/dk/atira/pure/sustainabledevelopmentgoals/good_health_and_well_being; name=SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being", "https://purl.org/becyt/ford/1", "info:eu-repo/classification/ddc/610", "PLASTIC POLLUTION", "0105 earth and related environmental sciences", "MICROPLASTICS", "16. Peace & justice", "Global plastic treaty", "Environmental Policy", "3. Good health", "[SDE.BE] Environmental Sciences/Biodiversity and Ecology", "[SDE.MCG] Environmental Sciences/Global Changes", "Source reduction", "13. Climate action", "Global Plastics Treaty", "Environmental Pollutants", "Nanoplastics", "[SDE.BE]Environmental Sciences/Biodiversity and Ecology", "Environmental Pollution", "Plastics"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/11336/263764"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Science%20of%20The%20Total%20Environment", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "11336/263764", "name": "item", "description": "11336/263764", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/11336/263764"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2024-11-01T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "11586/496263", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-06-26T16:28:48Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2024-07-03", "title": "GIS mapping of agricultural plastic waste in southern Europe", "description": "The escalating use of plastics in agriculture, driven by global population growth and increasing food demand, has concurrently led to a rise in Agricultural Plastic Waste (APW) production. Effective waste management is imperative, prompting this study to address the initial step of management, that is the quantification and localization of waste generated from different production systems in diverse regions. Focused on four Southern European countries (Italy, Spain, Greece, and Portugal) at the regional level, the study uses Geographic Information System (GIS), land use maps, indices tailored to each specific agricultural application and each crop type for plastic waste mapping. Furthermore, after the data was employed, it was validated by relevant stakeholders of the mentioned countries. The study revealed Spain, particularly the Andalusia region, as the highest contributor to APW equal to 324,000 tons per year, while Portugal's Azores region had the lowest estimate equal to 428 tons per year. Significantly, this research stands out as one of the first to comprehensively consider various plastic applications and detailed crop cultivations within the production systems, representing a pioneering effort in addressing plastic waste management in Southern Europe. This can lead further on to the management of waste in this area and the transfer of the scientific proposition to other countries.", "keywords": ["Agricultural practices", "NUTS 2 regional level", "Estimation of agricultural plastic waste", "National agricultural census", "330", "Plastic pollution", "Geographic information system"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/11586/496263"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Science%20of%20The%20Total%20Environment", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "11586/496263", "name": "item", "description": "11586/496263", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/11586/496263"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2024-10-01T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "1871.1/d6b61a78-2275-4762-b240-d861c82b3ce4", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-06-26T16:29:00Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2024-12-18", "title": "Survival and reproduction effects of microplastics from three agricultural mulching films on Folsomia candida, Sinella curviseta, Heteromurus nitidus and Ceratophysella denticulata (Collembola)", "description": "An estimated 467 kt of plastic used in agriculture annually end up in European soils, potentially breaking down into secondary microplastics (MPs). Not much is known about the possible effects of these MPs on organisms residing in the soil. To properly assess their environmental risk, experimental data is needed on the toxicity of MPs to the survival and reproduction of model organisms. This study aimed at assessing the toxicity of three MP types derived from commonly used agricultural plastics to different Collembola species, representing an important and highly diverse class of soil arthropods. Starch- polybutadiene adipate terephthalate blend (starch-PBAT blend) MPs were produced from mulching films that were artificially aged by mechanical recycling. MPs were also made from virgin low density polyethylene (LDPE) mulching films and from linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) films that underwent the same mechanical recycling process as the starch-PBAT blend films. Four Collembola species were tested: Folsomia candida, Sinella curviseta, Heteromurus nitidus and Ceratophysella denticulata, representing epedaphic, hemiedaphic and euedaphic, as well as sexually reproducing and parthenogenetic species. Each species was exposed in Lufa 2.2 soil spiked with nine MP concentrations: 0.0016, 0.008, 0.04, 0.2, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5\u00a0% (w/w dry soil) and a control without additional MPs added to the soil. No dose-dependent effects were found for any of the exposed organisms, to any of the MPs tested. The results of this study suggest that the MPs used in this study, derived from commonly applied agricultural plastics, do not pose an immediate hazard to Collembola.", "keywords": ["Soil ecotoxicology", "Plastic pollution", "Microplastics", "Reproduction", "Animals", "Soil Pollutants", "Agriculture", "Agricultural soil", "Arthropods", "Plastics", "Springtails"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/1871.1/d6b61a78-2275-4762-b240-d861c82b3ce4"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Science%20of%20The%20Total%20Environment", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "1871.1/d6b61a78-2275-4762-b240-d861c82b3ce4", "name": "item", "description": "1871.1/d6b61a78-2275-4762-b240-d861c82b3ce4", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/1871.1/d6b61a78-2275-4762-b240-d861c82b3ce4"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2025-01-01T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "20.500.11755/7db74a03-dc12-49e9-9e4f-1afdf0855023", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"license": "Open Access", "updated": "2026-06-26T16:29:11Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2020-06-29", "title": "Impact of plastic mulch film debris on soil physicochemical and hydrological properties", "description": "The plastic mulch films used in agriculture are considered to be a major source of the plastic residues found in soil. Mulching with low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is widely practiced and the resulting macro- and microscopic plastic residues in agricultural soil have aroused concerns for years. Over the past decades, a variety of biodegradable (Bio) plastics have been developed in the hope of reducing plastic contamination of the terrestrial ecosystem. However, the impact of these Bio plastics in agroecosystems have not been sufficiently studied. Therefore, we investigated the impact of macro (around 5\u00a0mm) and micro (<1\u00a0mm) sized plastic debris from LDPE and one type of starch-based Bio mulch film on soil physicochemical and hydrological properties. We used environmentally relevant concentrations of plastics, ranging from 0 to 2% (w/w), identified by field studies and literature review. We studied the effects of the plastic residue on a sandy soil for one month in a laboratory experiment. The bulk density, porosity, saturated hydraulic conductivity, field capacity and soil water repellency were altered significantly in the presence of the four kinds of plastic debris, while pH, electrical conductivity and aggregate stability were not substantially affected. Overall, our research provides clear experimental evidence that microplastics affect soil properties. The type, size and content of plastic debris as well as the interactions between these three factors played complex roles in the variations of the measured soil parameters. Living in a plastic era, it is crucial to conduct further interdisciplinary studies in order to have a comprehensive understanding of plastic debris in soil and agroecosystems.", "keywords": ["2. Zero hunger", "Microplastics", "0211 other engineering and technologies", "Agriculture", "02 engineering and technology", "15. Life on land", "Biodegradable plastic", "Agricultural soil", "01 natural sciences", "Soil quality", "Soil", "13. Climate action", "Plastic pollution", "international", "Soil Pollutants", "Hydrology", "Plastics", "Plan_S-Compliant_TA", "Ecosystem", "0105 earth and related environmental sciences"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/20.500.11755/7db74a03-dc12-49e9-9e4f-1afdf0855023"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Environmental%20Pollution", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "20.500.11755/7db74a03-dc12-49e9-9e4f-1afdf0855023", "name": "item", "description": "20.500.11755/7db74a03-dc12-49e9-9e4f-1afdf0855023", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/20.500.11755/7db74a03-dc12-49e9-9e4f-1afdf0855023"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2020-11-01T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "38763635", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-06-26T16:30:40Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2024-04-22", "title": "Microplastics in seafood: Consumer preferences and valuation for mitigation technologies", "description": "Abstract
Microplastics, an emerging pollutant, have garnered widespread attention due to potential repercussions on human health and the environment. Given the critical role of seafood in food security, growing concerns about microplastics might be detrimental to meeting future global food demand. This study employs a discrete choice experiment to investigate Chilean consumers' preferences for technology aimed at mitigating microplastic levels in mussels. Using a between-subjects design with information treatments, we examined the impact of informing consumers about potential human health and environmental effects linked to microplastics pollution on their valuation for the technology. We found that the information treatments increased consumers\uffe2\uff80\uff99 willingness to pay for them. Specifically, consumers\uffe2\uff80\uff99 willingness to pay for mussels with a 90% depuration efficiency certification is around US$ 4. The provision of health impact information increased the price premium by 56%, while the provision of environmental information increased it by 21%. Furthermore, combined health and environmental information significantly increased the probability of non-purchasing behavior by 22.8% and the risk perception of microplastics for human health by 5.8%. These results emphasize the critical role of information in shaping consumer preferences and provide evidence for validating investment in research and development related to microplastic pollution mitigation measures.