Distribution and ecological impact of artemisinin derived from Artemisia annua L. in an agricultural ecosystem

► Dispersal of artemisinin from Artemisia annua L. cultivation was studied in soil. ► The distribution of artemisinin in soil was diffuse and was influenced by wind. ► Artemisinin leached to subsurface layers despite strong adsorption to the topsoil. ► Cultivation of A. annua impacted the microbial activity and composition.