We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Investigating the Degradation of Biodegradable Mulch Films in Agricultural Soil: A Molecular Approach
Summary
Researchers investigated the field degradation of biodegradable mulch films composed of starch and poly(butylene-adipate-co-terephthalate) over 16 months under Mediterranean climate conditions, using molecular methods to characterize how pristine and UV-aged films break down in agricultural soil.
The fate of biodegradable mulch films (BMFs) in agricultural soils is a serious concern for environmental sustainability. This study investigates the degradation under real field conditions of BMFs composed of starch and poly(butylene-adipate-co-terephthalate). Pristine (BIO-0) and artificially UV-aged (BIO-A192) films were buried for 16 months in agricultural soil under Mediterranean climate conditions. Progressive degradation of the films was observed, and after 478 days, approximately 23% of BIO-0 and 17% of BIO-A192 remained in the soil, accompanied by the release in soil of macro- and microplastic residues. Advanced Mass Spectrometry analytical techniques revealed the degradation pathways of the films, showing that residues were enriched in aromatic components due to selective polymer degradation. Thermal studies identified key degradation products and additives, which decreased as degradation advanced. Additionally, the presence of fillers and minor additives, added to improve crystallization, mechanical properties, and biodegradation, was also confirmed. These findings emphasize the complexity of BMFs degradation in real-world conditions, pointing out the need of field studies alongside laboratory tests. By combining advanced analytical techniques, this study provides insights into the environmental impact of BMFs and supports the development of more sustainable agricultural materials.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Field test on the biodegradation of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) based mulch films in soil
Researchers buried four types of supposedly biodegradable plastic mulch films — used in farming to suppress weeds — in agricultural soil for over two years and found that all four still left behind microplastic fragments. This shows that even biodegradable plastics can accumulate in soil if used repeatedly each growing season.
The fate of post-use biodegradable PBAT-based mulch films buried in agricultural soil
Scientists tracked the breakdown of a biodegradable mulch film in farm soil over 16 months and found that while the film lost more than half its surface area, it released microplastics into the surrounding soil during the process. About 17-23% of the original film material was still recoverable from the soil after nearly 500 days. The study shows that even biodegradable plastics can be a source of microplastic contamination in agricultural soils.
Are mulch biofilms used in agriculture an environmentally friendly solution? - An insight into their biodegradability and ecotoxicity using key organisms in soil ecosystems
Researchers assessed the biodegradation and ecotoxicity of a commercial biodegradable mulch biofilm in soil systems. The study found that while marketed as environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional plastic mulch, biodegradable films did not fully degrade under natural soil conditions as certification standards would predict. The results suggest that more rigorous testing under realistic field conditions is needed before assuming these products are safe for soil ecosystems.
Disintegration and mineralization of mulch films and leaf litter in soil
This field study tracked the physical disintegration of biodegradable mulch films in agricultural soil over time, monitoring how the films fragment and whether they fully disappear. Understanding the fragmentation and fate of agricultural plastic films in soil is important because these films are a significant source of microplastic contamination of farmland.
In situ degradation of biodegradable plastic mulch in Nordic agricultural soils
Nordic field studies tracked the in situ degradation of biodegradable plastic mulch films under cold, wet, low-UV conditions, finding that degradation was far slower than under the warm conditions where biodegradable plastics perform as designed, raising concerns about persistence in northern agricultural soils.