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Horizontal and vertical mobilisation of microplastics in agricultural soils: run-off and infiltration experiments
Summary
Researchers measured the horizontal runoff and vertical leaching of microplastics from agricultural mulching films in field plots, quantifying transport under simulated rainfall. Both transport pathways were significant, with particle size and soil properties influencing how far microplastics moved from their source.
Mulching films are commonly used in agriculture to improve crop growth and yield, and to decrease the use of irrigation water and phytosanitary products. Nevertheless, they have been described as one of the most relevant sources of microplastics (MPs) in agricultural soils. The presence of MPs in soil may disrupt soil physical structure, affect water and nutrient retention, and compromise the health of plants and soil organisms. Due to the impact of conventional plastics on soil pollution, the use of biodegradable mulching films has been proposed as an alternative. However, the transport and fate of the particles resulting from their degradation in soils remain largely unknown. This study aims to evaluate the mobilisation of biodegradable MPs through surface runoff and infiltration through the soil towards groundwater. Additionally, the experiment explores the effect of crops on MP mobility. Six modified Pinson collectors (2x1x0.5 m) with a slope of 5° were filled with natural soil. The uppermost 4 cm were mixed with polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) fragments from biodegradable mulching films at 0.5 wt Also see: https://micro2024.sciencesconf.org/559387/document