As an exogenous carbon input, microplastics (MPs), especially biodegradable MPs, may significantly disrupt soil microbial communities

The gap

Evidence profile

Sourced from the abstract and future-work section and stated research gap of the source papers, classified as general, drawn from work published between 2024 and 2026, spanning 7 journals. Those papers have been cited 128 times in total.

Supporting evidence — 8 representative gaps

• Effect of conventional and biodegradable microplastics on the soil-soybean system: A perspective on rhizosphere microbial community and soil element cycling (2024) · Environment International · cited 88× · doi

  As an exogenous carbon input, microplastics (MPs), especially biodegradable MPs, may significantly disrupt soil microbial communities and soil element cycling (CNPS cycling), but few studies have focused on this.

  generalabstractevidence 5/5
  Keywords: soil cycling exogenous carbon input microplastics especially biodegradable disrupt microbial communities element cnps focused
• Plant functional traits, but not soil abiotic properties, mediate the legacy effects of microplastics on plant community assembly (2026) · Frontiers in Plant Science · doi

  Future research should focus on multifactor field experiments that incorporate diverse microplastic types and complex plant communities. The study highlights the need to investigate the underlying mechanisms, specifically soil microbial succession and direct physiological indicators.

  generalfuture-work sectionevidence 5/5
  Keywords: future research focus multifactor field experiments incorporate diverse
• Radish growth and soil aggregate stability affected by microplastic contamination (2026) · Plant, Soil and Environment · doi

  There is a lack of understanding of the impact of microplastic contamination on radish growth and soil aggregate stability. The study aims to address this gap by investigating the effect of microplastic contamination on soil ecosystems and plant growth.

  generalstated research gapevidence 5/5
  Keywords: there lack understanding impact microplastic contamination radish growth
• The dual role of biochar in modulating microplastic effects on soil nitrogen (2026) · Frontiers in Microbiology · doi

  Investigate the effects of different types of microplastics on soil nitrogen cycling, - Examine the long-term effects of microplastics on soil nitrogen cycling, - Study the impact of microplastics on soil nitrogen cycling in different soil types and environments

  generalfuture-work sectionevidence 5/5
  Keywords: investigate effects different types microplastics soil nitrogen cycling
• A synthesis of developments, challenges and prospective innovations in plastic waste management in agriculture and aquaculture systems (2026) · Discover Environment · doi

  Further research is needed to understand the long-term consequences of microplastic ingestion on soil health and organism behavior. The development of biodegradable plastics and alternative materials is an area for future research. The integration of artificial intelligence in plastic waste management is a key area for innovation.

  generalfuture-work sectionevidence 4/5
  Keywords: further research needed understand long-term consequences microplastic ingestion
• Flotation of polymer‑coated fertilizer capsules in paddy fields: Drivers and implications for microplastic discharge control (2026) · Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management · doi

  Abstract Polymer-coated fertilizer capsules are a relevant source of agricultural microplastics in paddy fields, yet controls on their mobilization during puddling remain insufficiently quantified.

  generalabstractevidence 4/5
  Keywords: abstract polymer coated fertilizer capsules relevant source agricultural microplastics paddy fields controls mobilization puddling remain
• Effects of different microplastics on the physicochemical properties and microbial diversity of rice rhizosphere soil (2025) · Frontiers in Microbiology · cited 40× · doi

  Further studies are needed to investigate the long-term effects of microplastics on soil ecosystems. Research on the effects of different types of microplastics and their aging processes on various crops and soil types is necessary. Investigations into the mechanisms by which microplastics alter soil enzyme activity and bacterial diversity are required.

  generalfuture-work sectionevidence 4/5
  Keywords: further studies needed investigate long-term effects microplastics soil
• Transfer quantification and surface changes of microplastics along the earthworm-chicken food chain (2026) · Cambridge Prisms: Plastics · doi

  Further studies are needed to examine the effects of microplastics on earthworms and chickens. Research is needed to investigate the transfer of microplastics in other terrestrial food chains. Studies should examine the role of microplastic fragmentation in terrestrial ecosystems.

  generalfuture-work sectionevidence 3/5
  Keywords: further studies needed examine effects microplastics earthworms chickens

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