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Agricultural Plastic Mulch: A Brief Review of Development, Composition and Catalytic Upcycling Strategies
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This review examines the environmental impact of agricultural plastic mulch film, which has led to significant microplastic accumulation in farm soils worldwide. Researchers evaluate various catalytic upcycling technologies including photocatalysis and thermocatalysis that can convert waste mulch into useful hydrocarbon resources with near-complete efficiency. The study also assesses the progress and remaining challenges of biodegradable mulch alternatives for sustainable agriculture.
Agricultural plastic mulch film, valued for its superior heat insulation and moisture retention, is widely used globally but has led to significant microplastic accumulation in soils, threatening agricultural ecosystems. This paper reviews its development and environmental impact, focusing on recycling and upcycling technologies, particularly catalytic recovery methods (with nearly 100% conversion efficiency) such as photocatalysis, thermocatalysis, and photothermal catalysis. It analyzes technical challenges and future directions in upcycling, emphasizing the role of catalysis in converting waste plastic mulch into hydrocarbon resources. This paper also evaluates the progress and challenges of biodegradable alternatives. By offering scientific insights and innovative approaches, it aims to reduce plastic mulch pollution, enhance resource utilization, and promote sustainable agriculture.
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Environmental fate and effects of mulch films on agricultural soil: A systematic review from application to residual impact
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This systematic review traces the full lifecycle of plastic mulch films used in farming, from application to breakdown in soil. While these films boost crop yields, they leave behind persistent residues that fragment into microplastics, potentially contaminating soil and groundwater. The review highlights the need for biodegradable alternatives to reduce long-term microplastic accumulation in agricultural land.
Environmental fate and effects of mulch films on agricultural soil: A systematic review from application to residual impact
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This systematic review examines how plastic mulch films used in agriculture break down over time and release microplastics into farm soil. The films improve crop growth but create lasting environmental damage as plastic fragments accumulate and alter soil properties. The findings underscore the importance of developing truly biodegradable alternatives to protect farmland from microplastic pollution.
Plastic mulching in agriculture: agronomic performance, residual film hazards, and green development strategies
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This review summarizes 247 existing studies on plastic mulch films used in farming, covering their benefits for crop growth, pollution from leftover film pieces and microplastics in soil, and recycling challenges. It suggests future work focus on improving film recovery methods and developing biodegradable alternatives.
Agricultural mulch films as soil microplastic contamination factor
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This review examines agricultural mulch films as a source of soil microplastic contamination, summarizing evidence on degradation rates, particle accumulation in soil profiles, and impacts on soil properties and biological communities over time.
Plastic Mulch‐Derived Microplastics in Agricultural Soil Systems
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This review examines how plastic mulch films widely used in agriculture degrade via photodegradation, chemical processes, and microbial activity to form microplastics, and discusses how these microplastics affect soil properties, plant growth, soil microbiomes, and broader agricultural ecosystem health.
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.