Microplastics in Terrestrial Ecosystem

Dear Colleagues,

Microplastics are plastic particles with a diameter of less than 5 mm. Recent studies about the effects of microplastic pollution are mainly from the aquatic environment. However, this contaminant is a potentially larger issue in terrestrial ecosystems, with 4- to 23-times the amount of microplastics released into the land than the ocean. In fact, almost 75%–90% of aquatic microplastics come from terrestrial land through surface runoff. Accumulating microplastics in terrestrial ecosystems have caused some soil problems, with microplastics reaching up to 7% of soil weight in some highly contaminated areas. Microplastics can significantly alter soil bulk density, porosity, saturated hydraulic conductivity, field capacity, and soil water repellency, thus, affecting plants. Exposure of plants to microplastics leads to delayed germination of seeds, reduction in root and shoot biomass, and inhibition of leaf size, chlorophyll content, and photosynthetic efficiency. In addition, sub-micrometer- and micrometer-sized plastic particles can be absorbed by plants and transported from roots to shoots, posing a potential threat to human health. Although a massive effort has been devoted to understanding the effects of microplastics on soil and terrestrial plants, more comprehensive and in-depth studies are still needed. For this purpose, we invite potential authors to submit their latest interesting findings on the source, distribution, fate, and effect of microplastics on terrestrial ecosystems. These topics will include, but are not limited to:

1. Investigation of the origination of microplastics in soil;
2. Investigation of the type, accumulation, and distribution of microplastics in soil;
3. Transfer of microplastics in or between soil and/or organisms;
4. Methods of extraction, detection, and characterization of microplastics in soil;
5. Effects of microplastics on terrestrial ecosystems, including soil properties, soil microorganisms, plants, animals, etc.;
6. Effective control of microplastics in soil.

We welcome research and review articles that will augment our understanding of this fascinating field of microplastic research in order to raise awareness of the adverse effects of microplastic pollution on terrestrial ecosystems and facilitate the development of new strategies, methods, and technologies to control this pollutant.

Dr. Yang Chong
Guest Editor

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