New research shows that plastic pollution in European soils has reached levels that can affect soil health, crop quality and, at worst, the food we eat.

During the international AGRIFOODPLAST conference in Brussels on April 8-9, scientists will present new evidence on the risk plastic pollution poses to agriculture, soil health, food safety and human health. Organized by the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), the conference brings together leading scientists, industry, farmer representatives and policy makers to discuss solutions to a growing environmental challenge.

“Our research reveals widespread occurrence of microplastics in European agricultural soils, with concentrations high enough to alter soil properties and crop quality,” says NIVA senior scientist Luca Nizzetto, who leads several international research projects on plastics in the environment.

Most widespread pollutant
Microplastics are now the most widespread anthropogenic contaminant in European agricultural soils. In some cases, the concentration can amount to up to 0.1 percent of the soil's weight.

“Plastic accumulation in soil is increasing. Without action, critical thresholds for soil degradation and food quality will be exceeded,” says Nizzetto.

Plastic pollution comes from a variety of sources, including agriculture's extensive use of plastics in greenhouses, drip irrigation, mulching films, protective nets, polymeric microencapsulations for slow-release fertilizers and pesticides, and plastic-coated seeds.

Plastic in the soil can end up in the human body. A recent study published in Nature Medicine shows that microplastics are found in the human brain in concentrations measured to be up to 0.3 percent of the brain’s weight. This is likely due to absorption through the gut.

“Protecting soil from plastic pollution is therefore directly linked to protecting our health,” emphasizes Nizzetto.

New law without plastic focus
The conference in Brussels coincides with the EU's ongoing debate on a new soil monitoring law. Despite the fact that the law is intended to protect soil health, it does not currently address plastic as a threat. The scientists behind AGRIFOODPLAST believe this is a shortcoming and are calling for a change in the law, which could be crucial to ensuring safe and healthy food systems.

“Soil is a national issue, but the food grown on it crosses national borders. We need a political commitment to ensure quality control and protect producers who invest in clean, sustainable food production,” says Nizzetto.