2. Disruption of Soil Structure and Microbial Life
The infiltration of microplastics fundamentally alters soil structure by disrupting its natural texture and porosity.
Healthy soils typically retain water efficiently and foster diverse microbial life essential for nutrient cycling.
However, microplastic contamination reduces water retention and creates physical barriers that impede root and microbe interactions.
Research published in Science of The Total Environment shows that soils containing microplastics exhibit a decline in beneficial microbes, leading to impaired soil fertility and weakened plant resilience.