We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Resource or waste? A perspective of plastics degradation in soil with a focus on end-of-life options
AI summary Read the abstract
This review compiles existing data on plastic degradation in soil and explores post-consumer plastic reuse options, organized by resin type. It identifies a major gap in standardized indicators and methods for quantifying plastic degradation in terrestrial environments and calls for more research to support evidence-based land management policy.
'Capable-of-being-shaped' synthetic compounds are prevailing today over horn, bone, leather, wood, stone, metal, glass, or ceramic in products that were previously left to natural materials. Plastic is, in fact, economical, simple, adaptable, and waterproof. Also, it is durable and resilient to natural degradation (although microbial species capable of degrading plastics do exist). In becoming a waste, plastic accumulation adversely affects ecosystems. The majority of plastic debris pollutes waters, accumulating in oceans. And, the behaviour and the quantity of plastic, which has become waste, are rather well documented in the water, in fact. This review collects existing information on plastics in the soil, paying particular attention to both their degradation and possible re-uses. The use of plastics in agriculture is also considered. The discussion is organised according to their resin type and the identification codes used in recycling programs. In addition, options for post-consumer plastics are considered. Acknowledged indicators do not exist, and future study they will have to identify viable and shared methods to measure the presence and the degradation of individual polymers in soils.
More Papers Like This
Resource or waste? A perspective of plastics degradation in soil with a focus on end-of-life options. One step beyond
AI summary Read the abstract
This narrative review synthesises over 300 studies on plastic degradation in soil, with a focus on end-of-life options and reuse potential for various resin types. The review, emphasising literature published since 2019, examines the tension between plastics as a resource versus a persistent environmental hazard, exploring degradation mechanisms and pathways beyond conventional disposal.
Interactive effects of soil characteristics and polymer types reveal patterns of denitrifying bacteria enrichment in the soil plastisphere
AI summary Read the abstract
A field study examined how soil characteristics (texture, organic matter, pH) and polymer type interact to determine microplastic persistence and mobility in agricultural soils. The results show that soil properties are as important as plastic type in predicting environmental fate.
[Occurrence and Characteristics of Macro/Micro-plastics and Phthalates in Soils Under Different Plastic Film Mulching].
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed residual characteristics of macroplastics, microplastics, and phthalate plasticizers in agricultural soils under different plastic film mulching treatments over a three-year field experiment, comparing traditional PE film with three types of biodegradable mulch and a no-mulch control. The study examined whether biodegradable film substitution effectively reduces soil plastic and PAE residual pollution.
Biodegradable Plastics in Soil: A ScientometricAnalysis of Their Status, Evolution,and Future Research Directions
AI summary Read the abstract
A scientometric analysis maps the evolution of biodegradable plastics research in soil contexts, identifying growing interest in degradation pathways, ecotoxicology, and policy implications over recent decades. Understanding how biodegradable plastics behave in soil is critical for assessing whether they offer a genuine alternative to conventional plastics or simply shift the nature of microplastic contamination.
The Potential of Plastic Degradation as Soil Remediator for Plants: a Review
AI summary Read the abstract
This study characterized microplastic contamination in commercial sea salt from major global producing nations, detecting particles across all geographic origins. Polymer types and concentrations varied by production method and source water quality, with traditionally harvested solar salts generally showing lower contamination than mechanically processed sea salt products.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.