THE IMPACT OF MICROPLASTICS ON SOIL DEGRADATION: MECHANISMS, INTERACTIONS, AND IMPLICATIONS FOR ECOSYSTEM HEALTH
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Caleb Ojomichegbe Agbanwu
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Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as pervasive pollutants in terrestrial ecosystems, with growing evidence indicating their potential to alter soil structure, nutrient cycling, and microbial activity. This paper synthesizes findings from recent studies to explore the multifaceted effects of microplastics on soil degradation. Key mechanisms include physical disruption of soil aggregates, chemical leaching of additives, and alterations in microbial community composition. Interactions with environmental stressors such as drought further modulate these effects. The review highlights polymer-specific and dose-dependent responses, underscoring the need for integrated risk assessments and mitigation strategies to preserve soil health and ecosystem functionality.
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Authors
Caleb Ojomichegbe Agbanwu
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