Microplastics are emerging persistent pollutants that have been extensively detected in aqueous environments. Yet, scientists have little knowledge of microplastic pollution in soils. This study reviewed over 60 articles, with the following objectives: (i) to discuss sources and the global distribution of microplastics in soils; (ii) to evaluate current extraction techniques and analytical methods for microplastics in soils; and (iii) to comprehensively assess their adverse impacts on soils and soil organisms. Moreover, this review highlights the lack of research into microplastic contamination in soils as a significant knowledge gap. Research into the fate, sources and analytical techniques of soil microplastics and the interactions between soil organisms, soils and microplastics is essential in order to underpin management decisions aimed at safeguarding the ecological integrity of our soils.

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Microplastic pollution has attracted more and more people's attention, and it exists widely in our living environment. Microplastics are difficult to be degraded, most of them migrate from the land to the water, and finally deposit in the sediment. They are easy to have a great impact on water bodies and aquatic organisms, and even affect the daily life of human beings. Based on the research literature on microplastics in recent years, this paper reviews the research progress of microplastics in freshwater sediments in China, discusses several commonly used methods of sampling, separation, and detection of microplastics in freshwater sediments, summarizes the distribution characteristics of microplastics in freshwater sediments in China, analyzes the toxicological effects of microplastics, and introduces the degradation methods of microplastics. This study will provide valuable reference for further study of microplastics in freshwater environment in the future.

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