Data for a global meta-analysis of microplastic effects on fauna, plants, and soils

Description

This dataset supports a global meta-analysis examining the effects of microplastics on fauna, plants, and soils across different ecosystems. It contains the extracted study information, effect-size data, moderator variables, and relevant environmental and biological characteristics compiled from published literature. The dataset was used to quantify microplastic impacts on faunal growth, reproduction, behavior, and functional performance; plant growth and photosynthesis; and soil biogeochemical and physical properties. It also includes the data required to reproduce the statistical analyses and figures reported in the associated manuscript. All data were checked for consistency and organized to facilitate transparency, reproducibility, and future reuse. The dataset does not contain personal or confidential information.

Steps to reproduce

The data were obtained through a systematic literature search and meta-analysis of published studies investigating the effects of microplastics on fauna, plants, and soils. Relevant studies were identified using predefined search terms in major scientific databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Studies were screened according to predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. For each eligible study, information on ecosystem type, organism or soil category, microplastic characteristics, exposure conditions, experimental duration, and measured response variables was extracted. Effect sizes were calculated using standardized mean differences or log response ratios, together with their sampling variances. When necessary, data were digitized from published figures using Plot Digitizer. The extracted data were checked for consistency and independently verified before analysis. Statistical analyses, meta-regressions, subgroup analyses, and visualization were conducted in R using established meta-analysis packages. The complete dataset, variable definitions, and analysis scripts are provided to support reproducibility.

Institutions

• Taizhou University

  Zhejiang, Taizhou

Categories

Funders

• National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Beijing, Beijing

Licence