Dataset for: Biodegradable and non-biodegradable microplastics drive divergent microbial carbon and nitrogen metabolism regimes in soil-plant systems

Summary

This study analyzed data from many experiments to compare how two types of microplastics—biodegradable ("compostable" plastics) and traditional non-biodegradable plastics—affect soil health, finding that they change the way soil microbes cycle carbon and nitrogen in different ways. Since healthy soil microbes are essential for growing food and keeping ecosystems stable, this matters because it suggests that "eco-friendly" biodegradable plastics aren't necessarily a worry-free swap—they can disrupt soil in their own distinct way rather than simply being a safer alternative.