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Biochar and Organic Matter as Tools for Mitigating Microplastic Effects in Agricultural Soils.
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Plastic pollution in farm soil is a growing problem, but this study found that adding biochar (charcoal made from plant waste) or organic materials like compost and manure can help soils recover. These additions restored nutrients, improved soil structure, and boosted helpful microbes, offering a practical way to protect the soil that grows our food.
Microplastic (MP) contamination threatens soil health, yet effective remediation strategies remain underexplored. This study aimed to address this gap by evaluating the impact of biochar and organic matter on the properties of MP-contaminated soils. Sandy loam (SL) and clay loam (CL) soils were contaminated with 1% (w/w) low-density polyethylene MPs and amended with organic matter (rice husk, compost, cow manure) or their biochar at 2% and 5% (v/v) rates in a 100-day incubation experiment. Results showed that biochar reduced pH to 7.2 (vs. 7.8 in control) and EC by 55.8% in SL, while increasing it by 28.5% in CL with 5% biochar. Organic carbon rose to 17.18 g kg with organic matter and 14.43 g kg with biochar (vs. 2.53 g kg in control), phosphorus increased by up to 270.5%, and potassium by 89.1%. Bulk density decreased to 1.15 g cm⁻, mean weight diameter improved to 0.77 mm, and microbial respiration reached 0.127 mg CO₂ g day with 5% biochar. Both amendments mitigated MP effects, with biochar excelling at higher rates. These findings suggest that integrating biochar and organic matter into soil management practices offers a promising approach by improving soil chemical, physical, and biological properties.
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Exploring the potential of biochar for the remediation of microbial communities and element cycling in microplastic-contaminated soil
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Scientists found that adding biochar (a charcoal-like material made from plant waste) to soil contaminated with microplastics helped restore healthy microbial communities and nutrient cycling. The biochar reversed negative effects that microplastics had on soil chemistry, including nitrogen and phosphorus availability. This suggests biochar could be a practical tool for repairing farmland damaged by microplastic pollution.
Biochar as a Climate-Smart Approach for Soil Health Improvement and Nano-/Microplastic Mitigation in Sustainable Agriculture: A Review
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Tiny plastic particles are building up in farm soils, potentially getting absorbed by crops we eat—but this review of existing research suggests that biochar (a charcoal-like material made from organic waste) can act like a sponge to trap these plastics in soil before they reach our food. It also improves soil quality and helps fight climate change, though scientists still need more research to understand its limits, especially in certain soil types.
Combined effect of biochar and soil moisture on soil chemical properties and microbial community composition in microplastic‐contaminated agricultural soil
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Biochar was applied to microplastic-contaminated agricultural soil under different moisture conditions, with results showing that biochar improved soil chemical properties and shifted microbial communities in ways that partially offset microplastic-induced degradation. The study suggests biochar as a practical soil amendment to mitigate microplastic impacts in farming systems.
Advances and prospects of biochar in improving soil fertility, biochemical quality, and environmental applications
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This review examines how biochar, a charcoal-like material made from organic waste, can improve soil health and clean up pollutants including microplastics. Biochar's ability to absorb and trap contaminants makes it a promising tool for reducing microplastic pollution in agricultural soil. The findings suggest biochar could help limit the amount of microplastics that enter the food chain through crops grown in contaminated soil.
Biochar alters chemical and microbial properties of microplastic-contaminated soil
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Researchers found that biochar amendments improved chemical and microbial properties of microplastic-contaminated soil, with effects varying by biochar type and water conditions, suggesting biochar as a potential remediation tool for plastic-polluted agricultural soils.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.