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Adsorption Behaviors of Cadmium Regulated by Microplastics Properties in a Forest Soil
Summary
Microplastics and cadmium (a toxic heavy metal) frequently pollute forest soils together, and this study examined how different types, sizes, and concentrations of microplastics affect cadmium's behavior in soil. Biodegradable plastics like PBS and PBA adsorbed and released more cadmium than conventional polyethylene, and microplastics altered the soil's organic matter in ways that influenced how cadmium moved and became available to organisms. These findings matter because co-contamination by microplastics and heavy metals in soils may compound environmental and food-chain risks beyond what either pollutant causes alone.
Co-contamination of microplastics (MPs) and cadmium (Cd) has attracted attentions in forest soils due to their complex behaviors and ecological risks. This study investigates the interactions between MPs and Cd, focusing on effects of different types (polyethylene: PE, polybutylene succinate: PBS, poly-11-bromoundecyl acrylate: PBA), sizes (75-150 and 150-300 μm) and concentrations (1% and 10%) of MPs on soil properties. Results showed that MPs significantly influence contents of soil dissolved organic carbon and available nitrogen, while increased MPs concentrations reduced the dissolved organic matter (DOM) availability and decomposition. Adsorption and desorption of Cd were higher in biodegradable MPs (PBS and PBA), with the Freundlich model providing a better fit for Cd adsorption. Pearson correlation and redundancy analysis identified soil DOM, number of humic-like substances, and microbial by-products as key factors influencing Cd behavior. These findings contribute to understanding risks of co-contamination by MPs and heavy metals in forest soils.