The Effect of Microplastic Pollution on Soil, Plants and Soil Microbes and Its Remediation

Microplastic pollution is one of the major environmental problems that have recently increased. Some researchers consider it the second largest global environmental problem, and some describe it as we live in a world full of plastic. Microplastic pollution has many negative effects on terrestrial and marine organisms and various environmental elements, and the problem gets worse when microplastics are transferred to food chains and then to humans, which negatively affects their health. This problem has been widely addressed in aquatic and marine ecosystems, but there is still a gap of knowledge in studying the impact of microplastic on soil, plants, and soil microbes (largely responsible for its fertility). Therefore, this review aims to highlight the impacts of microplastics on soil properties, plants and soil microbes. Also, it aims to focus on the treatment methods and the potential effect of biochar (because of its unique properties) on the treatment of microplastic pollution. Hence, this review could contribute to reducing the scientific gap on the effects of microplastics on terrestrial ecosystems.