Plastics are extensively utilized across various industries due to their affordability, chemical stability, insulation properties, durability, and resistance to water. Nowadays, plastics have become an integral part of modern society, while microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are rapidly accumulating in soil, which could have detrimental effects on both ecosystems and human health. This review first analyzes the latest literature on MPs, soil and plant, and analyzes the future research trends. The review encompasses the latest findings on the effects of MPs and NPs on higher plants, elucidating the mechanisms of MPs and NPs absorption by plants from the soil and their resulting phytotoxicity. Furthermore, the review underscores the imperative for further investigations aimed at comprehending the long-term repercussions of MPs and NPs on plant growth, physiology, reproduction, and their potential entry into the food chain. Notably, NPs exhibit a unique propensity to translocate via the xylem to various plant organs, including seeds, raising concerns for human health, given their heightened uptake by plant roots compared to MPs. In addition, the impacts of MPs and NPs in conjunction with other environmental contaminants might be amplified. Finally, important concerns and potential future research initiatives in the area are considered. The authors call for urgent action to address the problem of plastic pollution and suggest that a multi-disciplinary approach is needed to find solutions to this global problem.

This study investigates the hydrological processes and water body transformation mechanisms in the Yuanmou dry–hot valley, focusing on precipitation, well water, spring water, river water, and reservoir water, during both wet and dry seasons. The spatiotemporal characteristics and significance of the hydrogen and oxygen stable isotopes across these water bodies were analyzed. Key findings included the following: (i) Seasonal variations in precipitation, river water, and shallow groundwater were minimal, and were primarily driven by differences in water vapor sources and transport distances during wet and dry seasons. The seasonal effects of mid-deep groundwater and reservoir water were influenced by leakage recharge from deep aquifers and temperature variations, respectively. (ii) The groundwater line-conditioned excess (lc-excess) deviated significantly from the Local Meteoric Water Line, indicating that precipitation recharge occurred primarily through slow infiltration piston flow with significant isotopic fractionation. (iii) River water was recharged by precipitation, deep groundwater, and spring water; well water by precipitation and lateral groundwater inflow; spring water by deep groundwater; and reservoir water by precipitation, groundwater, and water transfer, with strong evaporation effects. (iv) Using a binary isotope mass balance model, the recharge ratios of precipitation and groundwater to surface water were calculated to be 40% and 60%, respectively. Additionally, during the wet season, the proportion of groundwater recharge to river water increased. This study provides valuable insights into hydrological cycle processes in dry–hot valleys and offers a scientific basis for the sustainable development and management of water resources in arid regions.

Microplastics (MPs) have been found in both surface water and groundwater, which are sources of drinking water. Since one of the most important routes for MPs to enter the human body is through drinking water, the enormous buildup of MPs in waterbodies and the resulting effects on human health have caused social concern. However, our knowledge of drinking water treatment plant (DWTP) treatment techniques affects the removal of MPs, and there aren’t any standardized or efficient quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) measures for sampling and analysis. The current state of MPs in drinking water sources is described in this review, which also provides the most recent data on MPs removal by various DWTP units. Lastly, we propose practical QA/QC techniques to ensure the accuracy of MP analysis. This review intends to present the most recent data on MPs in drinking water and the effectiveness of MPs removal by DWTP units. It also advises that further research into the mechanisms of MPs removal be done in the future.