Complex Research Review on Environmental Risk Management of Soil Microplastic Contamination: Treatment Technologies and Global Perspectives

Abstract

Microplastic (MP) contamination in soil environments has emerged as a critical global environmental challenge, posing significant risks to ecosystem integrity, agricultural productivity, and human health. This comprehensive review synthesizes recent advances (2020-2025) in understanding the complex environmental risks associated with soil microplastic pollution and critically evaluates emerging treatment technologies across physical, chemical, and biological domains. We systematically analyze the sources, occurrence patterns, and physicochemical characteristics of microplastics in agricultural and natural soils, highlighting the intricate migration pathways and transformation mechanisms governing their environmental behavior. The review provides an in-depth assessment of ecotoxicological effects, encompassing impacts on soil physical structure, chemical properties, biological communities, and plant-soil interactions. A critical evaluation of treatment technologies reveals that advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), including photocatalytic degradation, Fenton-based systems, and electrochemical oxidation, demonstrate removal efficiencies ranging from 60% to over 99%, while biological approaches utilizing specialized microorganisms and enzymatic systems offer sustainable alternatives with lower environmental footprints. We further examine country-specific research contributions from China, Germany, the United States, Japan, and Spain, identifying distinct research focuses and collaborative networks that shape the global research landscape. Despite significant technological progress, critical knowledge gaps persist regarding long-term ecological consequences, cost-effectiveness at field scale, and standardization of analytical and treatment protocols. This review identifies future research priorities, emphasizing the need for integrated treatment systems, life cycle assessment frameworks, and policy interventions to effectively mitigate soil microplastic contamination. The findings provide essential guidance for researchers, policymakers, and environmental engineers working toward sustainable solutions for soil microplastic pollution.