We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Biochar mitigates microplastic- and nanoplastic-induced soil degradation and plant stress: a global meta-analysis.
AI summary Read the abstract
This analysis combined results from 59 studies on soil and plants exposed to microplastics or nanoplastics. Adding biochar to soil was linked to healthier plant growth, less plant damage, and lower microplastic buildup in plants, though the effects varied depending on conditions and were weaker in more realistic, complex settings than in controlled experiments.
Microplastic (MP) and nanoplastic (NP) contamination threatens soil functioning and plant performance, yet the effectiveness of biochar in mitigating these impacts varies substantially among experimental conditions. We conducted a meta-analysis of 59 peer-reviewed studies comprising 1418 effect-size estimates to quantify biochar-mediated responses across the soil-plant continuum. Effect sizes were calculated as the natural logarithm of the response ratio (lnRR) and analyzed using multilevel random-effects models. Subgroup analyses examined the effects of growth medium, plant functional group, plastic type, biochar feedstock, application rate, treatment duration, pyrolysis temperature, and experimental system, while meta-regression identified continuous moderators of response magnitude. Biochar produced positive pooled responses in soil properties (lnRR = 0.130), soil biological properties (0.186), biomass yield (0.218), photosynthetic performance (0.326), and plant nutrient content (0.599). Oxidative-damage indicators declined, including malondialdehyde (lnRR = - 0.154) and H2O2 (- 0.150), while plant microplastic accumulation showed a pronounced negative response (lnRR = - 0.811). The magnitude of these responses varied significantly among environmental and management contexts. Biochar application rate was the only significant continuous moderator, whereas pyrolysis temperature and treatment duration were not significant linear predictors of overall effect magnitude. Stronger responses in controlled systems than in more environmentally complex systems further indicated a potential gap between experimental efficacy and field-scale performance. Overall, the available evidence indicates that biochar is associated with improvements across multiple soil and plant response domains under MP/NP stress, although the magnitude of these responses is strongly context dependent. These findings provide a quantitative basis for developing context-specific biochar strategies while highlighting the need for geographically broader and long-term field validation.
More Papers Like This
Combined effect of biochar and soil moisture on soil chemical properties and microbial community composition in microplastic‐contaminated agricultural soil
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Biochar Influences Polyethylene Microplastic-Contaminated Soil Properties and Enzyme Activities
AI summary Read the abstract
This study examined how biochar additions modify the properties of polyethylene microplastic-contaminated soil and affect plant growth, finding that biochar partially mitigated microplastic-induced soil degradation and improved plant performance. Biochar shows promise as a low-cost soil amendment to counteract microplastic impacts.
Biochar as a Climate-Smart Approach for Soil Health Improvement and Nano-/Microplastic Mitigation in Sustainable Agriculture: A Review
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Applications of biochar in the remediation of soil microplastic pollution: A review
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed the use of biochar as a tool for remediating microplastic-contaminated soil. The study found that biochar application shows promise for addressing soil microplastic pollution by altering soil properties in ways that can reduce microplastic mobility and mitigate their negative effects on soil structure, plant growth, and biogeochemical cycling.
Biochar counteracts the negative effects of microplastics on physiological and biochemical characteristics and leaf metabolism in Zea mays L
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied whether biochar could counteract the harmful effects of microplastics on maize plant growth and soil health. They found that adding biochar to microplastic-contaminated soil restored antioxidant enzyme balance, improved beneficial metabolic pathways in leaves, and increased bacterial community diversity. The study suggests biochar may help plants resist microplastic-induced stress by boosting glucose metabolism in root systems.
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.