Biodegradation of microplastics and synthetic polymers in agricultural soils

Microplastics and synthetic polymers are some of the most significant pollutants in agricultural soil. According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration declaration, when the plastic fragment is less than 5 mm, it is considered to be microplastic. The presence of microplastics has been detected ubiquitously in the agricultural soil. The environmental release of microplastics has increased unaccountably, whereas the help of advanced and updated technologies can stop the accumulation of plastics. The advanced bioremediation and natural process of biodegradation is an effective environmental safety process to eliminate the plastic fragments from the agricultural soil. However, understanding the biodegradation process of microplastics and synthetic polymers in agricultural soil is a challenge due to the multifactorial process such as abiotic effects, hydrolysis, fragmentation, heat, UV rays, and enzymatic degradation under anaerobic condition. The yield of the biodegradation process provides Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), glycol, carbon source, and the production of green gases. Whereas, the micro- and nanosize particles of plastics have mixed with natural fertilizers and that can cause a severe impact on the production of biogas. In this chapter, we have included the severe direct and indirect effects, identification techniques, and advance perspectives to eliminate the plastic fragments from the agricultural soil.