Effects of microplastics on microbial community and greenhouse gas emission in soil: A critical review

• Published in: Ecotoxicology and environmental safety 2025-01, Vol.289, p.117419, Article 117419
• Main Authors: Chen, Guanlin, Guo, Saisai, Liu, Linan, Zhang, Wenzhu, Tang, Jingchun
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Carbon and nitrogen cycling; Greenhouse gas emissions; Microorganisms; Microplastics; Soil environment
• ISSN: 0147-6513; 1090-2414; 1090-2414
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.117419

Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous in soil ecosystems and significantly impact soil microorganisms and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Although some reviews have summarized their impact on greenhouse gas emissions, no systematic analysis has been conducted on how soil physicochemical and microbial properties affect these emissions. Firstly, this review details that MPs alter microbial abundance, structure, activity and gene expression, directly stimulating CO2 and N2O emissions, though their impact on CH4 remains inconclusive. Additionally, MPs change rhizosphere microbial growth, cause soil nutrient loss, and induce plant toxicity, indirectly affecting GHG emissions. Finally, this article suggests strengthening research on rhizosphere and MPs surface microbial communities, exploring interactions with clay and minerals, and investigating GHG emission mechanisms to understand the ecological effects of MPs. [Display omitted] •Microplastics change the population structure, activity and gene expression of microorganisms.•Microplastics stimulate the production and emission of CO2 and N2O.•Microplastics may increase or reduce emission of CH4 in different conditions.•Microplastics indirectly affect cycling of carbon and nitrogen elements in planting condition soil.