Microplastics (MPs) as emerging persistent pollutants have been a growing global concern.Although MPs are extensively studied in aquatic systems, their presence and fate in agricultural systems are not fully understood. In the agricultural soils, major causes of MPs pollution include application of biosolids and compost, wastewater irrigation, mulching film, polymer-based fertilizers and pesticides, and atmospheric deposition. The fate and dispersion of MPs in the soil environment are mainly associated with the soil characteristics, cultivation practices, and diversity of soil biota. Although there is emerging pollution of MPs in the soil environment, no standardized detection and quantification techniques are available. This study comprehensively reviews the sources, fate, and dispersion of MPs in the soil environment, discusses the interactions and effects of MPs on soil biota, and highlights the recent advancements in detection and quantification methods of MPs. The prospects for future research include biomagnification potency, cytotoxic effects on human/animals, nonlinear behavior in the soil environment, standardized analytical methods, best management practices, and global policies in the agricultural industry for the sake of sustainable development.

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Yuqing Sun received her master degree (2014) from Harbin Institute of Technology, and Ph.D. degree (2018) from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. She continues her research work as a postdoctoral fellow under the supervision of Dr. Daniel C. W. Tsang. Her research mainly covers the design and application of engineered biochar in environmental pollution and remediation.