Impact of microplastic artefacts on urban soil ecosystem functions

Abstract

The knowledge about the consequences of human modification in soils is still incipient in science, especially considering the major expectations in terms of ecosystem services provided by urban soils to face the main environmental issues. Among the main changes is the introduction of artefacts, i.e. anthropic material, including microplastic. Thus, the objective of the project is to carry out statistical analyzes to describe the characteristics of the soils including microplastic presence. In addition, a practical laboratory experiment will be implemented to describe the consequences of the introduction of microplastics, in a soil under controlled conditions, on major soil functions (i.e. fertility, water filtration and retention, biodiversity habitat). It is expected with the project that it will be possible to identify typical characteristics of modified soils, as well as the perception of how the interaction initially occurs between soil, microplastics and organic matter. (AU)