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Above- and below-ground impacts of biotransformation additive-containing plastics and their leachates on barley growth and soil dynamics: a mesocosm study

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) 2024
Amy C. M. Wright, Amy C. M. Wright, Bas Boots, Thomas C. Ings, Dannielle S. Green, Dannielle S. Green

Summary

Researchers evaluated the above- and below-ground effects of pristine and weathered pro-oxidant additive-containing plastics (PAC plastics) and their leachates on barley growth and soil properties in a mesocosm study, assessing whether these 'biotransformation' plastics pose ecological risks when added to agricultural soils at low concentrations.

Plastics containing pro-oxidant additives (PAC plastics) are engineered to degrade in the environment through oxidation, potentially reducing disposal costs compared to conventional films. Recent findings suggest they may form waxes rather than microplastics, but their ecological impact remains largely unknown, highlighting the need for further research to guide sustainable plastic use guidelines before widespread adoption. This study evaluated the effects of the addition of pristine and aged "biotransformation" PAC plastics, in physical (as microplastic fragments) or chemical (as leachate) form on Hordeum vulgare (spring barley) growth and soil properties. Pristine BioPE films were weathered in a xenon-arc test chamber to produce aged particles and leachate was extracted from both pristine (unweathered) and aged (weathered) particles. Particles were added at 0.1 Also see: https://micro2024.sciencesconf.org/554179/document

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