Impact of macroplastic and microplastic litter pollution on terrestrial soil–plant ecosystems: Pathways, fate, and transport

Continuous accumulation of plastic litter in terrestrial ecosystems acts as a major pathway for the macroplastics (MaPs) and microplastics (MiPs) contamination into marine environment. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the sources, fate, and transport of plastic litter within soil–plant systems. It also presents a novel synthesis that connects plastic litter–induced modifications in soil properties and nutrient dynamics with physiological stress, root distortion, and reduced photosynthetic performance in plants. It was found that MaPs primarily affect soil structure by blocking pores and disrupting aggregation, whereas MiP impairs seed germination, nutrient uptake, photosynthesis, and redox imbalance via oxidative stress and leachates of toxic additives. Evidence indicates the uptake and vascular translocation of MiP in edible tissues causes potential risks to food chain. Finally, future research directions were proposed on soil remediation strategies, assessing long-term impact of MiPs and nanoplastics on plant genetic cycle.