The dataset contains data that has been collected and processed in a laboratory based transport study of microplastic (MP) fibres by deep-burrowing earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris). The experiments included were 1) a transport study assessing the time-dependent redistribution of microplastic fibres by earthworms in soil columns (E1), 2) a study to assess which microplastic fibre lengths were ingested by earthworms (E2). For E1, MP fibres were mixed into the top 2 cm of a 30 cm thick soil column, earthworms added and the MP fibre redistribution measured after 2 and 4 weeks. The depth-dependent distribution of MP fibre mass was measured using the metal-dope of added MP fibres and MP fibre length by optical microscopy. The control treatment for E1 was with MP fibres but without earthworms. For E2, MP fibres were mixed homogeneously with all of the soil and then packed to 30 cm thick soil columns, earthworms added and collected after 2 weeks; then the earthworms were depurated in petri dishes and the earthworm casts collected, dried and analysed for MP fibre lengths. The control treatment for E2 was with earthworms but without MP fibres. MP fibre lengths were determined with optical microscopy. For more detail see the associated publication.

The dataset contains data that has been collected and processed in a laboratory based transport study of microplastic (MP) fibres by deep-burrowing earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris). The experiments included were 1) a transport study assessing the time-dependent redistribution of microplastic fibres by earthworms in soil columns (E1), 2) a study to assess which microplastic fibre lengths were ingested by earthworms (E2). For E1, MP fibres were mixed into the top 2 cm of a 30 cm thick soil column, earthworms added and the MP fibre redistribution measured after 2 and 4 weeks. The depth-dependent distribution of MP fibre mass was measured using the metal-dope of added MP fibres and MP fibre length by optical microscopy. The control treatment for E1 was with MP fibres but without earthworms. For E2, MP fibres were mixed homogeneously with all of the soil and then packed to 30 cm thick soil columns, earthworms added and collected after 2 weeks; then the earthworms were depurated in petri dishes and the earthworm casts collected, dried and analysed for MP fibre lengths. The control treatment for E2 was with earthworms but without MP fibres. MP fibre lengths were determined with optical microscopy. For more detail see the associated publication.

The dataset comprises data acquired in laboratory-based process-studies with microcosms on the transport of nanoplastics (polystyrene, 256 nm diameter) in an agricultural soil via bioturbation over the course of 4 weeks. Transport of nanoplastics was monitored through the use of palladium (Pd)-doped nanoplastics (0.24 % w/w) by analyzing soil samples at specific depths (0-2 cm, 2-6 cm, 6-15 cm, 15-29 cm) after defined experimental times (7, 14, 21, 28 days). Microcosms consisted of 30 cm height, 10 cm diameter soil columns which were set up with or without earthworms and with or without nanoplastics spiked to the uppermost 2 cm. Two experimental runs were executed with the first (Exp1) designed to focus on the average transport within the soil profile over time, and the second (Exp2) focussing on the smaller scale distribution of the nanoplastics in the soil (i.e. soil matrix versus drilosphere) while monitoring earthworm burrow development over time using X-ray computed tomography. In the first experiment, earthworms were measured for their nanoplastic content after the experiment. The dataset made available here comprises the details of the microcosm setup for Exp1 and Exp2, details on detected nanoplastic concentrations for the average soil profile (Exp1), drilosphere and soil matrix (Exp2), as well as detected concentrations in earthworm tissue and monitoring of earthworm weight (Exp1). A selection of X-ray CT images is also provided, chosen based on the considered highest relevance. X-ray CT scans of other measurement timepoints are available upon request.