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Microplastic leachates in farmland: impact of acid rain on DOM characteristics and metal release
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Researchers investigated how varying acid rain conditions affect the leaching of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and heavy metals from microplastics commonly found in agricultural soils, characterizing leachate physicochemical properties and three-dimensional fluorescence profiles and finding that acid rain intensity significantly altered contaminant release patterns.
Microplastics (MPs) in farmland soil may leach dissolved organic matter (DOM) and metal-based additives during rainfall and irrigation processes, potentially impacting agroecosystems. This study investigated the leaching characteristics of MPs commonly found in agricultural soils and irrigation water under varying acid rain conditions. The MP leachates were analyzed for their physicochemical properties, three-dimensional fluorescence characteristics, and heavy metal release. The results revealed that most MP leachates exhibited neutral to alkaline pH, likely due to the dissolution of inorganic fillers such as CaCO3. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) leaching varied by polymer types, with biodegradable MPs and PET-based MPs exhibiting significantly higher DOC concentrations than other MPs. Heavy metal analysis identified antimony (Sb) and zinc (Zn) as the dominant leached metals, particularly in Gr-carpet, C-curtain, and G-cover. Evidence shows that Sb concentrations in these MP leachates exceed China's drinking water safety thresholds by 5.76-26.7 times. Additionally, DOC release was pH-dependent, with neutral conditions enhancing organic matter release, whereas acidic conditions may promoted metal leaching. Correlation analysis suggested that Sb and arsenic (As) interacted with MP-derived organic additives and amide/phenol-like substances, indicating potential metal-organic complexation. This study systematically investigates the leaching characteristics of MPs under simulated acid rain conditions, which helps better assess the environmental impact and potential risks of MPs.
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Researchers examined how dissolved organic matter leached from biodegradable and conventional agricultural mulch microplastics affects soil chemistry at environmentally realistic concentrations. They found that UV-exposed microplastic leachates were more bioavailable and caused greater changes to soil organic matter than those produced in dark conditions. The study suggests that even at low concentrations, microplastic-derived compounds can meaningfully alter soil carbon dynamics, with effects varying by soil type.
Copper-binding properties of microplastic-derived dissolved organic matter revealed by fluorescence spectroscopy and two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy
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Dissolved organic matter (DOM) leached from different types of microplastics was characterized for its ability to bind copper ions, using fluorescence spectroscopy. Microplastic-derived DOM showed significant copper-binding capacity that varied by polymer type, suggesting that microplastic leachate can influence heavy metal speciation and bioavailability in aquatic environments.
Photo-induced leaching behaviors and biodegradability of dissolved organic matter from microplastics and terrestrial-sourced particles
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Researchers studied how light exposure causes microplastics and terrestrial particles to leach dissolved organic matter, and how this leachate behaves in the environment. The study found differences in the biodegradability of leachate from plastic versus natural sources, suggesting that microplastic-derived organic matter may persist differently in aquatic ecosystems.
Spectroscopic Tracking of the Characteristics of Microplastic-Derived Dissolved Organic Matter
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This study used fluorescence spectroscopy to track dissolved organic matter leaching from polyethylene, PVC, and other plastic types over time, finding that different polymers release distinct dissolved organic matter compositions with varying potential to affect aquatic ecosystems.
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