Abstract:
Plastic and microplastic pollution has emerged as a critical environmental challenge, with profound
implications for soil ecosystems. In Sri Lanka, rapid urbanization and inadequate waste
management exacerbate soil contamination, yet the specific impacts on soil quality remain
underexplored. This study leverages graph data science and computational modeling to assess how
plastic and microplastic pollution affects soil health, focusing on soil fertility, microbial activity,
and contaminant dispersion patterns. Using a PRISMA-based systematic literature review, we
identify a critical research gap: the lack of integrated, data-driven approaches to quantify
microplastic soil interactions in tropical agricultural contexts like Sri Lanka. Our methodology
employs graph-based networks to model pollutant interactions and computational simulations to
predict long-term soil degradation. The analysis incorporates six graphical representations and five
data tables to illustrate pollutant distribution, soil property changes, and microbial disruptions.
Findings suggest that microplastics significantly alter soil structure and nutrient cycling, with
implications for agricultural productivity. This research provides actionable insights for
policymakers and environmental practitioners in Sri Lanka to mitigate soil pollution through
targeted interventions.
