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The amassing of plastic leftovers are broken into small particles by different processes. The debris gradually degrades into minute fragments with a diameter of less than 5 mm, known as MPs (Microplastics). 

The detailed types of MPs are in accordance with residual MP shapes such as nurdles, microbeads, fragments, foam, and fibers. 

Different forms of microplastics found in different products.                  

The increasing production and usage of plastics in the recent decades has become a considerable source of pollution globally. The possibility of recycling these residual plastics is difficult because of practical challenges in addition to high economic costs. 

MPs pollution has developed an environmental concern worldwide. However, the research and debates are mainly focused on aquatic environments. On the other hand, the microplastic pollution of terrestrial ecosystems is still lacking. Studies 

Waste plastic residues ultimately change into microplastics by the action of physical, chemical and biological processes such as ultraviolet radiations, water or air erosion,  and earthworm activities (Wright and Kelly, 2017). 

The residual plastics further undergo photo-oxidative degradation, and convert to more tiny particles (Gasperi et al., 2018). 

FTIR analysis revealed that MP fragments to be polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene (PS) . PP and PE were the most common polymer types in fragments. MP fibers consist of PP, PET, and acryl (polyacrylonitrile, PAN).

Polymer types and morphologies of microplastics

MPs are composed of synthetic polymers generally found in the form of solid particles, having the size which ranges 1–5, 000 μm, insoluble in water, with thermoplastic characteristics (Järlskog et al., 2021). These residues may integrate within soils and further break down into pieces to generate particles down to a nanoscale or smaller (Steinmetz et al., 2016). 

MP fragments are irregularly shaped three‐dimensional particles with various colors, such as white, blue, green, and red. MP fibers wer

Microplastics found as contaminants in the soil system (M. Sajjad, Q. Huang, S. Khan et al.)

MPs change the pore structure of the soil. If these residues found in large

masses, they will fill and block the soil pores, modify the permeability of sand soil, possibly causing anoxia/oxygen stress (Liu et al., 2014a,b,c). 

Various mechanisms by which microplastic particles affect soil  (Z.Guo et al).

Microplastics found in the soil environment greatly change the structure of the soil. MPs in the soil on a large-scale reduces the infiltration capability of soil for rain and irrigation water. This will disturb the soil nutrient cycle, and have adverse impacts on the soil water holding capacity (Liu et al., 2014a,b,c). 

MP pollutants also act as obstacles to evaporation, which can elevate the percentage of the stable aggregates of water. The increased water loss from the soil surface might promo

MPs may have an effect on clay soil cracking. Clay soil shrinks along with cracking during the process of evaporation. Microplastics impede water infiltration and transport in clay soil, increasing the soil dryness and further adding the risk of soil cracking. 

MPs also carry other lethal chemical pollutants in the soil matrix. For example, polyethylene is generally hydrophobic in nature; it may adsorb chemicals such as pesticides from the surroundings, and therefore, increments the concentrations of localized pesticides.

Bioturbation occurs due to the transport of microplastics downwards in the soil (Hurley and Nizzetto, 2018), alter microbial structure and ultimately affect crop growth (Dong et al., 2021). 

Soil Enzymes are extremely sensitive to any alterations in the soil environment. Enzymes in soil are generally produced by soil microorganisms and plants, and are important indicators of soil nutrient cycling.  

Plastic material in the soil greatly affects the enzymatic activities of the soil. MPs accumulation accelerates enzymatic activation of organic P, N, and C pools, thus allowing them to accumulate in a dissolved form. (Liu et al. 2017) 

The MPs effect on the extracellular enzymatic activiti

The structure of the microbial community is a significant and sensitive indicator of both temporary and long-term changes in soil health.

MPs are both source and sink for noxious chemical pollutants and pathogenic microbes. Injurious contaminants such as toxic metal ions and hydrophobic organic pollutants can be absorbed on microplastic surfaces, which have negative impacts on the soil microbial diversity. MPs can also provide an ecological habitat for soil microorganisms (Huang et al., 2019). Co

Many animals are not capable of digesting plastic residues. On the contrary,  MPs block the absorption of foodstuffs during the passage via their main gut. MPs have the accumulating tendency in the food chain, as a result harm the soil organisms at different trophic levels (Rillig and Lehmann 2020). MPs ingestion causes oxidative stress, inflammation, and physical injury.