Microplastics—tiny plastic particles less than 5 mm—are found everywhere, not just in oceans but also in soils, sediments, and groundwater. We all know these particles are persistent and potentially harmful, but there are still almost no regulations for microplastics in soils, mainly because reliable data and standard measurement methods are lacking.

This report, published by OVAM, brings together the latest knowledge on microplastics in soils, sediments, and groundwater. The main sources are tyre wear, plastic pellets from industry, and the breakdown of larger plastic waste (macroplastics), but also textiles, paints, and agricultural activities. Microplastics can move through soil, reach plants, and even end up in our food and water.

Measuring microplastics in soil is difficult, and most studies only detect the larger particles, so the real scale of pollution is probably underestimated. Microplastics can affect soil structure, water retention, and soil life, and have been found in food and human tissues, but the health risks are still unclear.

The main message is clear: microplastics are a persistent and growing problem in soils, sediments, and groundwater. Even if we stopped producing plastics today, the pollution would continue to increase. To protect the environment and human health, we need better monitoring, more research, stricter regulations, and effective remediation strategies.

For more details, you can read the full document here.