Microplásticos em solos agrícolas: panorama cienciométrico global e um estudo de caso em sistema agroflorestal na Amazônia oriental

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) have become emerging contaminants of global concern due to their widespread occurrence in aquatic and terrestrial environments. Despite the growing number of studies on this topic, research has predominantly focused on aquatic ecosystems, while agricultural soils remain comparatively understudied. Agriculture relies heavily on soil as a fundamental resource for food production and involves the use of plastic materials, fertilizers, irrigation systems, organic amendments, and other agricultural inputs that may contribute to the introduction and accumulation of microplastics in soils. Elevated concentrations of these contaminants can affect soil structure, soil biota, and plant development. In this context, the present study combined scientometric analysis and field investigations to evaluate research trends on microplastics in agricultural soils and assess their occurrence in agroforestry and forest soils in the Amazon region. The scientometric analysis revealed an exponential increase in scientific publications after 2019, with research concentrated mainly in China and predominantly focused on intensive and extensive agricultural systems. The results also demonstrated that microplastics can negatively affect soil quality by altering physicochemical properties and impacting plant development and soil-associated organisms. Field data collected at the José Haroldo Genetic Resources Station (ERJOH) confirmed the presence of microplastics in both agroforestry and forest soils. Blue and transparent fibers were the predominant forms identified. Raman spectroscopy revealed the presence of different polymer types, as well as dyes and industrial pigments commonly associated with products such as plastics, textiles, paper, pipes, packaging materials, and industry items. These findings contribute to the understanding of microplastic contamination in Amazonian soils and highlight the need for further studies addressing different production systems and soil types to better understand the factors influencing microplastic accumulation and behavior in terrestrial ecosystems.