Microplastic pollution in terrestrial ecosystems has raised increasing concerns about its potential impacts on soil functionality. Microplastics can influence various soil physio-chemical properties, including aggregation, bulk density, water holding capacity, porosity, and pH, as well as soil microbial activity. These effects can have repercussions on plant performance, extending beyond surface-level concerns to deeply impact biodiversity, ecosystem resilience, and societal stability, with a pronounced emphasis on terrestrial systems. Moreover, their interaction with stressors such as drought and their ability to modify soil environments amplify their environmental footprint, necessitating a more profound inquiry.
The present project aims to explore the interactive effects of microplastics, drought, and heavy metals on both plant performance and soil communities. We investigate the potential impacts of various types of microplastics on plants, examining how soil characteristics and microbial communities respond to the combined effects of microplastics, drought, and heavy metals. Simultaneously, we assess how these interactions can alter plant performance