This session focuses on the occurrence, fate and transport of micro- and nanoplastic (MNP) particles in soil and groundwater environments. While MNPs in marine and surface waters have received considerable attention over the past decade, terrestrial and subsurface compartments remain comparatively understudied. MNP transport, retention processes and their interaction with other emerging contaminants are not yet well understood. Soil and groundwater systems exhibit complex hydrological and biogeochemical conditions that strongly influence MNP mobility, retention, and transformation. Furthermore, MNPs can act as transport vector for other emerging contaminants in subsurface environments, adding to their transport complexity and substantially impacts the health of subsurface environments.
We invite contributions that provide insights into MNP contamination in soil and groundwater across local to global scales. Topics may include field sampling, laboratory analysis and characterization techniques tailored to soil and groundwater environments. Moreover, we welcome contributions from experimental and modelling studies that improve our theoretical and practical understanding of MNP dynamics and their interactions with emerging environmental contaminants, heavy metals and biological constituents.
This session also aims to expand knowledge on how diverse subsurface hydrological and biogeochemical conditions—including soil characteristics (e.g., type, grain size), hydraulic properties (e.g., connectivity, flow velocity, recharge dynamics) and biochemical factors (e.g., organic matter, microbial activity, geochemistry)—shape the fate and transport of MNPs. Advancing this understanding will refine conceptual models of contaminant pathways and support robust assessments of exposure, hazards and long-term risks to soil and groundwater ecosystems.