Browsing by Author "Paul, Bishal"

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    Micro and Nanoplastics: Contamination of Soil
    (Springer, 2025-06-17) Pegu, Ratul; Paul, Sarmistha; Hezron, Elkana; Paul, Bishal; Moirana, Ruth
    Micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) are tiny particles formed from the breakdown of plastic waste. They enter the soil through landfills, agricultural practices like mulching, and irrigation with sewage water and cause several environmental problems. The movement of MNPs within the soil depends on factors like soil organisms and the soil's physical and chemical properties. When MNPs mix with soil, they change its structure and interact with other soil components, impacting soil health and behavior. MNPs also increase the adsorption of harmful pollutants, worsening soil pollution and in turn harming plants, animals, microbes, and even humans. These tiny particles can be eaten by soil organisms due to their small size, allowing them to travel through the food chain. This causes both physical and physiological harm. Therefore, in recent decades, environmental specialists and contributors have raised awareness and issued warnings regarding the pollution of micro- and nano-plastics in the soil environment. The rapid increase in plastic waste is now one of the most serious environmental challenges. Therefore, through this chapter authors aim to explain the effects of MNPs on soil properties, soil microbes, soil animals, and human health.