Plastics are versatile and make life easier for us in many areas. Plastics can become a problem if they get into the environment, where they are taken up by organisms and introduced into ecosystems. The consequences of contamination with large plastic parts such as plastic bags are obvious, but the barely visible microplastic also harbors risks for the environment and human health. Because once they are released into the environment, microplastics can hardly be retrieved.
The present report shows the state of play regarding the occurrence of plastics in soils and explains the consequences for soils, adjacent media, plants and people. He names ongoing measures to effectively reduce the entry of plastic into the soil. In addition to the need for research, it also addresses the need for further action.
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