Plastic pollution threatens agriculture and aquaculture
Every year, more than 25 million hectares of agricultural land are covered with plastic films, releasing nearly 7 million tons of waste into the soil. Microplastics, tiny particles resulting from plastic degradation, averaged 2,176 elements per kilogram of soil in 2020, a figure that could exceed 10,000 by 2050 if nothing changes. These residues accumulate in soils and waterways, undermining ecosystem health and reducing agricultural yields.
Plastics used in agriculture and aquaculture, such as mulching sheets, nets, or irrigation pipes, fragment over time due to weather and farming practices. Macroplastics, visible to the naked eye, eventually break down into mesoplastics, then microplastics and nanoplastics, which are much harder to detect and remove. These particles, often invisible, enter food chains and disrupt soil biogeochemical cycles. For example, studies show that microplastics can reduce the root length of corn by half or decrease the biomass of rice shoots by up to 26%.
The consequences do not stop there. Plastics act like pollutant sponges, absorbing toxic substances such as heavy metals or pesticides, which are then ingested by plants. Mycorrhizal fungi, essential for plant nutrition, see their activity disrupted, as do nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Earthworms, indicators of soil health, die in large numbers in the presence of high concentrations of microplastics, which impoverishes biodiversity and soil fertility.
Integrated agriculture and aquaculture systems offer a way to limit this pollution. By recycling nutrients and reducing the use of single-use plastics, these methods help close the resource loop. Aquaponics, which combines fish farming and soilless cultivation, illustrates this approach: organic waste from fish serves as fertilizer for plants, thereby reducing the need for chemical inputs and plastic packaging. Additionally, the use of biodegradable materials, such as algae-based bioplastics, is beginning to develop, offering an alternative to traditional plastics.
However, the challenges remain numerous. Once dispersed, plastics are difficult to collect, especially once fragmented into microscopic particles. The high costs of waste management and the lack of recycling infrastructure still push too many farmers and aquaculture operators to abandon or burn their residues, worsening pollution. Existing regulations, often poorly enforced, struggle to curb the problem, particularly in regions where control measures are lacking.
Artificial intelligence is emerging as a promising tool for improving the management of this waste. Using sensors, drones, and satellites, it enables the mapping of polluted areas and tracking the movement of plastics in the environment. Algorithms analyze data to optimize collection routes or automatically sort different types of plastics in recycling centers. These technologies also facilitate collaboration between farmers, recyclers, and local authorities by creating platforms for information sharing and coordination.
Yet, technological innovation alone will not be enough. Sustainable management of plastic waste in agriculture and aquaculture requires a comprehensive approach. This involves reducing waste at the source, improving collection systems, developing alternative materials, and educating sector stakeholders. Integrated systems, such as aquaponics, show that solutions exist to reconcile productivity with environmental respect, but their widespread adoption requires political and financial support. Without this, plastic pollution will continue to threaten soils, waters, and, ultimately, food security.
Content References
Official Reference
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s44274-026-00819-9
Title: A synthesis of developments, challenges and prospective innovations in plastic waste management in agriculture and aquaculture systems
Journal: Discover Environment
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Authors: Chifundo Brian Manyamba; Rudoviko Galileya Medison; Francina Phiri; Milca Banda Medison