We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
The Effect of Polyethylene Terephthalate and Low-density Polyethylene Microplastics in Organic Material on Vermicomposting Process
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed the effects of polyethylene terephthalate and low-density polyethylene microplastics on vermicomposting of organic material, measuring germination index, C/N ratio, worm survival, pH, and electrical conductivity and finding that both MP polymer types impair key composting process indicators.
Despite extensive research on microplastics (MPs) present in solid organic waste, the precise impact of MPs on the vermicomposting process remains poorly understood. The objective of this research was to assess the influence of particular MP polymers on the vermicomposting procedure. To investigate the effects of MP particles on vermicomposting, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) particles were added to organic material. As vermicomposting process indicators, the germination index (GI), carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio, survival rate, pH, and electrical conductivity (EC) were identified. In this study, the survival rate, pH, C/N, EC, and GI values indicated that the addition of different varieties of MP polymers had a detrimental effect on composting that was direct and proportional. PET and LDPE significantly reduced earthworm survival rates by 10.51% and 14.52%, respectively. The addition of LDPE resulted in a substantial decrease in pH, likely attributable to its chemical constituents. Furthermore, treatments involving LDPE exhibited elevated electrical conductivity (EC) and carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio values. Nevertheless, the germination index (GI) effect of LDPE was markedly lower than that of PET. The findings of this research will contribute to the comprehension of the ecotoxicological impacts that polymer MPs have on the process of vermicomposting.
More Papers Like This
Effect of microplastics in sludge impacts on the vermicomposting
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined how adding polyethylene microplastic particles to sludge affects vermicomposting performance. The study found that higher microplastic concentrations reduced the efficiency of organic matter removal, impaired composting quality, and caused oxidative stress and neurotoxicity in earthworms, with bacterial diversity also declining in heavily contaminated treatments.
Effect of conventional and biodegradable microplastics on earthworms during vermicomposting process
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compared the effects of conventional polyethylene and biodegradable microplastics on earthworms during composting and found that both types caused stress at higher concentrations. Earthworm weight, reproduction, and survival were negatively affected by both plastic types, though biodegradable microplastics caused somewhat less harm. The findings suggest that biodegradable plastics are not entirely safe for soil organisms and can still disrupt composting processes.
Enhancing the biodegradability and environmental impact of microplastics utilizing Eisenia fetida earthworms with treated low-density polyethylene for sustainable plastic management
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used Eisenia fetida earthworms to improve the biodegradability of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) microplastics in soil, testing whether earthworm-mediated soil processing could enhance the breakdown of this persistent polymer. Earthworm activity increased LDPE fragmentation and promoted microbial colonization of plastic surfaces, suggesting vermicomposting as a strategy for managing soil plastic contamination.
Effect of agricultural microplastic and mesoplastic in the vermicomposting process: Response of Eisenia fetida and quality of the vermicomposts obtained
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that agricultural plastic waste in vermicomposting reduced earthworm survival by 10% and body weight by 15%, altered nutrient content of the resulting compost, and induced oxidative stress regardless of plastic particle size or UV pretreatment.
Impact of Microplastics on the Carbon and Nitrogen of Vermicompost
AI summary Read the abstract
This study evaluated the effect of polyethylene, polypropylene, and PET microplastics on carbon and nitrogen content in vermicompost produced by earthworms. Microplastic addition altered C:N ratios in vermicompost, with effects on soil quality metrics relevant to agricultural use of this organic amendment.
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.