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Impact of Microplastics on the Carbon and Nitrogen of Vermicompost
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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.
ABSTRACT The impact of microplastics (MPs) on carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) content in vermicompost is not yet fully understood. This study aims to evaluate the effect of MPs on the carbon and nitrogen ratio in vermicompost, which is important for soil quality and health. The study was carried out using a control treatment and six variations of MPs in the vermicomposting process. Observations were carried out at certain time intervals for 60 days with routine measurements of pH, electrical conductivity (EC), seed germination index (GI), survival rate (SR), and C/N ratio. The results showed that all types of MPs caused a decrease in the C/N ratio compared to the control, with the high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) MPs treatment showing the most significant decrease (from 21 to 9.42). Observations also showed that MPs had an impact on reducing the SR parameters (6.88%–20.41%), pH (6.8–6.1), and EC (525.3–398 µs/cm) in vermicompost, which had an impact on the final product quality thereby reducing the GI (10%–28%). MPs have a significant effect on the C/N ratio in vermicompost, reducing the quality of the compost. This study provides new insights into how MPs can affect the composting process and the quality of the final product, important for sustainable agricultural practices and waste management.
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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.
The Effects of Agricultural Plastic Waste on the Vermicompost Process and Health Status of Eisenia fetida
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This study assessed the effects of agricultural plastic waste, including LDPE, LLDPE, and expanded polystyrene, on vermicomposting with the earthworm Eisenia fetida. Plastic debris in the compost at 1.25% fresh weight did not significantly affect earthworm survival but altered compost maturation, microbial activity, and resulting compost quality.
Vermicomposting as a potential strategy for microplastic reduction in organic waste: mini review
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This review evaluates vermicomposting as a biological approach for reducing microplastic contamination in organic waste streams. Researchers found evidence that earthworms can physically fragment and partially break down certain types of microplastics during the composting process, though effects on earthworm health vary by plastic type and concentration. The study suggests that vermicomposting shows promise as a strategy for mitigating microplastic contamination in compost, but more research is needed on long-term impacts.
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