# Microplastics in soil pose global threat by acting as ‘Trojan horse’ for toxins

https://mins.news/en/item/60874

- The Guardian, 2026-09-16 12:00 UTC
- Science
- Original: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/sep/16/soil-microplastics-trojan-horse-toxins

> A five-year multinational project found microplastics in all 227 agricultural fields tested across 11 European countries. Their surfaces can concentrate pollutants, pesticides, bacteria and DNA, creating microbial hotspots where antibiotic-resistant genes increase. The particles may also harm soil organisms and plant growth, especially alongside pesticides and drought, while biodegradable plastics can likewise fragment into microplastics.