We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics from polyvinyl chloride agricultural plastic films do not change nitrogenous gas emission but enhance denitrification potential
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated whether microplastics from PVC and PE agricultural films affect nitrogen gas emissions from soil. They found that while PVC microplastics did not significantly change nitrogenous gas emissions under normal oxygen conditions, they enhanced the soil's denitrification potential under low-oxygen conditions. The study suggests that plastic film residues in farmland may subtly alter soil nitrogen cycling processes.
The effects of microplastics (MPs) from agricultural plastic films on soil nitrogen transformation, especially denitrification, are still obscure. Here, using a robotized flow-through system, we incubated vegetable upland soil cores for 66 days with MPs from PE mulching film (F-PE) and PVC greenhouse film (F-PVC) and directly quantified the emissions of nitrogenous gases from denitrification under oxic conditions, as well as the denitrification potential under anoxic conditions. The impact of MPs on soil nitrogen transformation was largely determined by the concentration of the additive phthalate esters (PAEs) containing in the MPs. The F-PE MPs with low level of PAEs (about 0.006 %) had no significant effect on soil mineral nitrogen content and nitrogenous gas emissions under oxic conditions. In contrast, the F-PVC MPs with high levels of PAEs (about 11 %) reduced soil nitrate content under oxic conditions, probably owing to promoted microbial assimilation of nitrogen, as the emissions of denitrification products (N, NO, and NO) was not affected. However, the F-PVC MPs significantly enhanced the denitrification potential of the soil due to the increased abundance of denitrifiers under anoxic conditions. These findings highlight the disturbance of MPs from agricultural films, particularly the additive PAEs on nitrogen transformation in soil ecosystems.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic effects on soil nitrogen storage, nitrogen emissions, and ammonia volatilization in relation to soil health and crop productivity: mechanism and future consideration
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how microplastics made from polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polypropylene affect nitrogen cycling and ammonia release in agricultural soils. Researchers found that these plastic particles can alter soil structure, shift microbial community composition, and disrupt the processes that store and release nitrogen. The study suggests that microplastic contamination in farmland may have cascading effects on soil fertility and crop productivity.
Polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride microplastics promote soil nitrification and alter the composition of key nitrogen functional bacterial groups
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that polyethylene and PVC microplastics in soil increased nitrification (a key step in the nitrogen cycle) and changed the composition of nitrogen-processing bacteria. These changes could affect soil fertility and the availability of nutrients for crops. The study highlights how microplastic contamination in agricultural soil may have hidden effects on food production by altering fundamental soil processes.
Plastic film mulching and microplastics impact soil nitrogen processes
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how plastic film mulching practices introduce microplastic contamination into farmland soils and how accumulated microplastics alter soil nitrogen cycling processes — including nitrification, denitrification, and nitrogen fixation — with implications for crop growth and long-term agricultural sustainability.
The effect of polyvinyl chloride microplastics on soil properties, greenhouse gas emission, and element cycling-related genes: Roles of soil bacterial communities and correlation analysis
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how PVC microplastics of different shapes and concentrations affect soil properties, greenhouse gas emissions, and nutrient cycling. They found that microplastic particles significantly increased carbon dioxide emissions and altered bacterial communities involved in element cycling. The study suggests that microplastic contamination in agricultural soils could disrupt important environmental processes including carbon and nitrogen cycling.
Effects of microplastics on N2O production and reduction potential in crop soils of northern China
AI summary Read the abstract
This study examined how polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics at concentrations of 0.5 to 3% affect nitrous oxide production and reduction potential in crop soils from northern China. Results showed that microplastic contamination altered N2O fluxes in vegetable soils by disrupting denitrification pathways, with implications for agricultural greenhouse gas emissions.
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.