Recent research from Murdoch University in Perth has raised alarms about the alarming levels of microplastics found in agricultural soils, which are now reported to be 23 times more prevalent than in the world’s oceans. This revelation highlights the potential dangers as these plastic particles may make their way into the food chain, ultimately affecting human health.
The study, which has undergone peer review, details how agricultural land is becoming a repository for plastics, with soils exposed to thousands of unregulated chemical additives. Joseph Boctor, a PhD candidate leading the research, noted that microplastics are turning fertile land into what he described as “a plastic sink.” These contaminants have been detected in various crops, including lettuce, wheat, and carrots, arriving through methods such as plastic mulching and fertiliser applications, and even via atmospheric precipitation.
The presence of microplastics in human bodies is already well-documented, with findings in lungs, brains, hearts, and placentas, raising serious health concerns. Specific microplastics have been linked to bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical associated with developmental issues in infants and significant health problems such as hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Boctor cautions that just because a product claims to be “BPA-free” does not imply it is free from other hazardous chemicals, such as bisphenol-F and bisphenol-S, which may have similar harmful effects.
The review casts a critical eye on the slow pace of regulatory responses to the plastic crisis, lamenting the lack of transparency from the plastic industry regarding its additives. The researchers underline that this oversight poses an unchecked risk to public health.
In addition to endocrine disruptors like BPA, researchers identified other hazardous substances present in soils, including phthalates and PBDEs, both linked to reproductive and neurological disorders, and increased risks of serious health issues such as strokes and heart disease.
Boctor emphasises that these dangers are increasingly manifesting in biological systems, highlighting an urgent call to action. He advocates for collaborative efforts among regulators, scientists, and industry to address these challenges effectively before plastic pollution embeds itself deeper into the global food chain.
A promising initiative involves the Bioplastics Innovation Hub, a collaboration between CSIRO and Murdoch University, working towards developing biodegradable plastics that can break down safely in natural environments. The review advocates for immediate and comprehensive scientific and regulatory action to mitigate the impacts of microplastics on agricultural systems and public health.