Micro- and nanoplastics are recognized as emerging contaminants in the environment, yet uncertainties remain regarding their occurrence, impacts on ecosystem functioning, and environmental fate. In this talk, a sampling framework is presented that links microplastic concentration to soil sample size and spatial heterogeneity, demonstrating how inadequate sampling can bias reported abundances.
Laboratory experiments show that microplastics can modify soil bulk density, water retention, and hydraulic conductivity, but critical concentrations have to be reached for pronounced effects to occur. Finally, the aggregation and transport behavior of biodegradable nanoplastics is examined, revealing that despite their degradable nature, these materials exhibit high stability and mobility, which may facilitate off-site transport.