Microplastics and potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in agricultural systems are subject to a growing concern with regards to food safety. Microplastics, which have more and more become recognized as soil pollutants, can adsorb PTEs, such as heavy metals, increasing their mobility and potential absorption by plants.

The authors highlight several pathways through which microplastics accumulate in agricultural soils, including improper waste disposal, contaminated sewage sludge application, and the use of plastic-coated fertilizers. These practices raise significant concerns about the contamination of crops, which can lead to human exposure through the food chain.

Environmental factors that influence the adsorption of PTEs onto microplastics are discussed, including UV-radiation, soil pH, moisture, temperature, and microbial activity. These factors significantly affect the interaction dynamics (electrostatic attraction, surface complexation, pore filling and physical adsorption) between microplastics and PTEs, influencing how contaminants are taken up by plants.

To mitigate the risks associated with microplastics and PTEs, the authors plead for policy-based measures that incorporate circular economy principles and promote the reduction, reuse, and recycling (3R) strategies. They stress the importance of developing comprehensive policies and governance frameworks that address both the contamination pathways and the management of agricultural lands.

Furthermore, the article calls for further research to fill existing knowledge gaps regarding the interactions between microplastics and PTEs, their impacts on agricultural productivity, and the subsequent risks to human health. This research is crucial for informing effective agricultural practices and regulatory policies aimed at protecting food safety and environmental health.

The study “Microplastics and Potentially Toxic Elements: Potential Human Exposure Pathways through Agricultural Lands and Policy Based Countermeasures” by A.D. Igalavithana et al was published in Microplastics 2022.