We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastic Effects on Soil Aggregation in Sterilized and Non‐Sterilized Soils
Summary
Researchers tested how microplastics affect soil aggregation in both sterilized and biologically active soils, finding that microplastic effects on aggregate stability were strongly mediated by the presence of soil microorganisms. Biologically active soils showed different responses than sterile soils, highlighting the role of the soil microbiome.
ABSTRACT The adverse impact of soil microplastics on aggregation is generally attributed to the potential toxicity to soil microorganisms. However, there have been few studies that use sterile soil as a control environment for comparison with regular soils to test this hypothesis. Consequently, this study conducted soil incubation with oven‐heated sterilized soils to explore the effects of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) microplastics (at sizes of 0.595, 0.089, and 0.009 mm) on the soil aggregate stabilities. The aim was to determine if their primary mode of action is through biogenic interactions with soil microorganisms. The microplastics reduced 49% and 82% water‐stable aggregates of 0.5–1 and 1–2 mm fractions in Tianjin soils, respectively. The effects of microplastics were particularly pronounced in the non‐sterilized soils during the initial month of incubation. Additionally, microplastics increased the surface roughness of aggregates by an average of 39%, yet microplastics did not significantly affect the aggregate mechanical stability in either soil type. This study suggests that interactions between soil microplastics and microorganisms work crucially on soil aggregation, but microplastics could also possibly affect soil aggregation through non‐biogenic pathways.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic effects on soil aggregation in sterilized and non-sterilized soils
Researchers tested how microplastics affect soil aggregate stability in both sterilized and non-sterilized soils, finding that microbial activity mediates much of the structural impact and that plastic type influences aggregation differently depending on soil biology.
Abiotic and Biotic Factors Influencing the Effect of Microplastic on Soil Aggregation
This study examined how abiotic factors (plastic type, concentration) and biotic factors (earthworms, plants) influence microplastic effects on soil aggregation, finding that microplastics disrupted aggregate stability in ways dependent on soil biology.
Small-size polyethylene and polylactic microplastic alterations on soil aggregate formation with soil sterilization
Researchers tested how small polyethylene and polylactic acid microplastics affect the formation of soil clumps, called aggregates, which are important for healthy soil structure. The microplastics changed aggregate stability through physical interactions rather than by harming soil microbes. This matters because soil structure affects how well crops grow, and widespread microplastic contamination in agricultural fields could subtly alter soil quality.
Microplastics Influence Dissolved Organic Matter Transformation Mediated by Microbiomes in Soil Aggregates
Researchers conducted a 450-day experiment to study how microplastics alter the transformation of dissolved organic matter within soil aggregates, a process critical for soil stability and fertility. They found that microplastics destabilized organic matter in larger soil clumps while increasing its chemical complexity in smaller ones, with biodegradable plastics having the strongest effects. These changes were driven by shifts in microbial communities, suggesting that microplastic pollution could fundamentally alter how carbon cycles through agricultural soils.
Influence of microplastics on soil aggregate formation: Insights into biological binding agents
A laboratory experiment found that polyethylene microplastics in different shapes (granules, fibers, and films) and aging states significantly alter how soil particles clump together into aggregates, with effects depending on the plastic's shape and the soil's organic matter content. Disruption of soil aggregation by microplastics matters because aggregate structure controls water retention, aeration, and microbial habitat — all fundamental to healthy, productive soils.