Focus topics on microplastics in soil: Analytical methods, occurrence, transport, and ecological risks

A methodological approach of the current literature on microplastic contamination in terrestrial environments: Current knowledge and baseline considerations

“…Some factors identified that may influence on the vertical distribution of MPs are: runoff, soil erosion, tillage practices, bioturbation by plant roots and animal transportation (Liu et al, 2018;S.Zhang et al, 2018S.Zhang et al, , 2020Zhang and Liu, 2018;Li et al, 2020aLi et al, , 2020b. The abovementioned factors are classified by Li et al (2020aLi et al ( , 2020b as external factors that usually have a limited influence on the vertical transport of MPs, concentrated mainly on the surface. In contrast, other factors such as leaching can vertically transport MPs deeper (Li et al, 2020a(Li et al, , 2020b.…”

“…The abovementioned factors are classified by Li et al (2020aLi et al ( , 2020b as external factors that usually have a limited influence on the vertical transport of MPs, concentrated mainly on the surface. In contrast, other factors such as leaching can vertically transport MPs deeper (Li et al, 2020a(Li et al, , 2020b.…”

“…Therefore, in order to improve the certainty of polymer identification, an automated comparison with a spectral library may be accompanied with a manual spectral analysis following the description of environmentally weathered plastics by Jung et al (2018) and bond changes described by Brandon et al (2016). Soil organic matter can also reduce the effectiveness of FTIR analysis (Li et al, 2020a(Li et al, , 2020b. To avoid interference with surface organic matter and impurities, a smooth clean surface of the MP can be exposed by making a small cut (Jung et al, 2018).…”

“…Primary MPs are manufactured micro-sized, while secondary MPs derive from the breakdown of larger plastics due to photolytic, mechanical fragmentation and biological degradation (Cole et al, 2011;Browne et al, 2009). Importantly, MPs come from a wide range of sources, but are classified as terrestrial (e.g., clothing, single-use plastics or worn off tire rubber) or marine (e.g., fishing gear or buoys) (Cole et al, 2011) and are able to carry associated organic pollutants (PAHs, PCBs, OCP) and heavy metals (Camacho et al, 2019;Li et al, 2020aLi et al, , 2020bY.Zhou et al, 2019).…”

Need for assessing the inhalation of micro(nano)plastic debris shed from masks, respirators, and home-made face coverings during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Studies identifying the chemical composition and prevalence of the debris will be particularly useful in tracing the origin of these contaminants, which may be of emerging concerns given their widespread use during the current pandemic and possibly the post-pandemic era. For this purpose, techniques that are currently employed for studying micro(nano)plastics in environmental matrices ( Fu et al., 2020 ; Li et al., 2020 ; Mai et al., 2018 , 2019 ), including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic imaging (FTIR imaging), micro-Raman spectroscopy (μ-Raman), and pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass Spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) can be particularly useful in characterizing the breathable debris present in masks and respirators. Going further, investigations will need to be done on whether the debris will cause stress or inflammation in human respiratory tract and exacerbate vulnerability of viral infection.…”