MICOS: From Hidden Soil Pollution to Sustainable Innovation

The European Research Council (ERC) funded project: Microplastic Contamination in Soil ecosystems (MiCoS) combines large-scale soil screening with controlled greenhouse experiments to assess whether current microplastic levels affect soil functioning and plant growth. In total, 240 agricultural soils across the Benelux are being analysed, providing an unprecedented overview of microplastic presence under real farming conditions.

Alongside quantifying microplastics, the project also examines soil physicochemical properties, water permeability and soil biodiversity, allowing researchers to link contamination levels to soil performance and crop responses.

A central focus of MiCoS lies on soil microbial communities. At Ghent University, Prof. Caroline De Tender and her team investigate how microplastics interact and influence the soil microbial composition, structure and function.

“Soils may contain far more microplastics than oceans, yet their effects on soil organisms and crops remain largely unexplored. By studying real agricultural soils, we can move from assumptions to evidence,” says Prof. De Tender.

Beyond risk assessment, the research also explores whether naturally occurring bacteria and fungi can contribute to biological degradation pathways. Identifying such microorganisms could open new perspectives for soil-friendly mitigation strategies in the future.

Early observations reveal substantial variation between fields, with microplastic concentrations ranging from relatively low to very high levels. Understanding these differences and their implications for soil health and crop productivity is essential for developing sustainable agricultural practices.

For companies active in agriculture, materials, biotechnology and the circular economy, MiCoS provides early insight into an emerging sustainability and regulatory challenge. By linking soil science with microbiome research, the project creates a scientific foundation for innovation in soil management, materials design and sustainable product development.

Running from 2023 to 2028, the ERC founded project MiCoS will deliver the first comprehensive overview of microplastic contamination in agricultural soils across the Benelux. By combining field-based evidence with biological research, the project aims to move beyond problem identification towards knowledge that supports long-term, sustainable solutions.

Read more:
Prof. Caroline De Tender explains the background and early findings of this research in a recent Durf Denken article: “Hoeveel microplastic zit in onze grond en kunnen we er iets aan doen?