What does this research mean for the field?

The vector effect of microplastics and nanoplastics on PFAS transport, bioaccumulation, and toxicity in soils is conditional and highly dependent on environmental context and particle properties, rather than acting as a universal carrier. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.SYNTHESIS. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To synthesize evidence on how microplastics and nanoplastics alter the environmental fate, transport, and biological effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in soil systems.

August 30, 2026Environmental Geochemistry and HealthOpen Access

Microplastic and nanoplastic interactions with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in soils: a critical review of main findings and knowledge gaps

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To synthesize evidence on how microplastics and nanoplastics alter the environmental fate, transport, and biological effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in soil systems.
Followed the PRISMA framework to identify 430 records across Scopus (n = 208) and Web of Science (n = 222).
Categorized 37 included original studies into an evidence framework comprising eight core soil studies and 29 complementary mechanistic studies.
PFAS sorption onto plastics varied by polymer type, particle size, charge, weathering, and organic matter, with high aqueous adsorption often altering after exposure to soil matrices.
Transport studies showed no universal vector effect, as plastics facilitated PFAS movement under select conditions, retarded transport during particle retention, or exerted negligible impact.
Biological effects were context-dependent, showing increased PFAS bioaccumulation and reproductive toxicity in earthworms, but mixed uptake and toxicity patterns across plants and aquatic organisms.

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Implication

Systematic review reveals context-dependent PFAS transport and toxicity driven by microplastics in soils, suggesting plastic vector effects are conditional rather than universal.

Cite This Study

Soares et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a93f1176c1a8fb52e79dd3f https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-026-03419-x

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Implication

Systematic review reveals context-dependent PFAS transport and toxicity driven by microplastics in soils, suggesting plastic vector effects are conditional rather than universal.

Microplastic and nanoplastic interactions with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in soils: a critical review of main findings and knowledge gaps

Key Points

Discussion

Implication

Cite This Study

Microplastic and nanoplastic interactions with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in soils: a critical review of main findings and knowledge gaps

Key Points

Discussion

Implication

Cite This Study

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