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Project
MIcro- and NAno-Plastics in AGRIricultural Soils: sources, environmental fate and impacts
The use of plastics in agriculture has increased dramatically in recent decades, leading to soil contamination in the form of macroplastics, micro- (MP) and nanoplastics (NP).
To get an overview of the actual situation in Europe, MINAGRIS will assess the use of different plastics in agricultural systems in 11 case studies and identify the resulting types and concentrations of MPs and NPs. Concentrations of other stressors in soils such as pesticides and veterinary drugs will be additionally assessed. MINAGRIS will develop validated analytical methods enabling the quantification and identification of MPs and NPs in soils. Based on the results of the case study sites, research will be conducted to determine the impact of MPs and NPs on soil physico-chemical properties, soil biodiversity, plant productivity and ecosystem services, as well as potential leaching to other parts of the environment and uptake by plants. MINAGRIS thus aims to map the impact of plastic use and, together with socio-economic components, provide a vision and action perspective associated with the use of plastics in agriculture. MINAGRIS thus aims to contribute to healthy soils in Europe.