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Microplastics originated from agricultural mulching films affect enchytraeid multigeneration reproduction and soil properties
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This study tested microplastics from real agricultural mulching films, both conventional polyethylene and biodegradable types, on small soil worms over multiple generations. Even biodegradable film microplastics reduced worm reproduction and altered soil properties like pH and water-holding capacity. The results show that microplastics from agricultural plastics, including supposedly eco-friendly alternatives, can harm soil organisms and threaten long-term soil health and food production.
Microplastics (MPs) are increasingly entering agricultural soils, often from the breakdown of agricultural plastics (e.g., mulching films). This study investigates the effects of realistic MPs from different mulching films: two conventional polyethylene (PE-1 and PE-2) and two biodegradable (starch-blended polybutylene adipate co-terephthalate; PBAT-BD-1 and PBAT-BD-2). MPs were mixed into Lufa 2.2 soil at a concentration range from 0.005 % to 5 % (w/w dry soil), wide enough to reflect both realistic environmental levels and "worst-case scenarios". Effects on Enchytraeus crypticus reproduction over two generations and six important soil properties were studied. PBAT MPs notably reduced enchytraeid reproduction in the F0 generation, with a maximum decrease of 35.5 ± 9.6 % at 0.5 % concentration. F1 generation was unaffected by PBAT contamination. PE MPs had a more substantial reproductive impact, with up to a 55.3 ± 9.7 % decrease at 5 % PE-1 concentration compared to the control, showing a dose-related effect except for 1 %. Both MP types also significantly affected soil water holding capacity, pH, and total carbon. Other soil properties remained unaffected. Our results highlight the potential negative impacts of MPs originating from real agricultural plastics on soil health and raise concerns about the role of agricultural plastics in sustainable agriculture and food safety.
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Microplastics from biodegradable mulching films affect soil physicochemical properties and earthworm reproduction, but not microarthropod communities
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Researchers studied the long-term effects of biodegradable mulching film microplastics on soil properties and soil organisms in a 13-week controlled mesocosm experiment. The study found that even the lowest concentration of microplastics (0.025%) significantly altered soil pH and aggregate structure, and higher concentrations reduced earthworm reproduction. However, springtail communities were not affected, suggesting different soil organisms have varying sensitivity to biodegradable microplastics.
Microplastics from biodegradable mulching films affect soil physicochemical properties and earthworm reproduction, but not microarthropod communities
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Researchers conducted a 13-week mesocosm study examining the effects of biodegradable mulching film microplastics on soil properties and invertebrate communities. They found that even low concentrations (0.025%) significantly altered soil pH and aggregate structure, and earthworm reproduction was reduced at higher concentrations, while springtail communities showed no measurable differences between treatments.
Response of terrestrial crustacean Porcellio scaber and mealworm Tenebrio molitor to non-degradable and biodegradable fossil-based mulching film microplastics
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Researchers tested how two soil organisms, woodlice and mealworms, responded to microplastics from both conventional polyethylene and biodegradable mulching films used in farming. Both types of microplastics affected the organisms' gut bacteria and caused stress, though the effects varied by plastic type. The study challenges the assumption that biodegradable farm films are completely safe, since their microplastic fragments can still harm soil organisms important for healthy agricultural ecosystems.
The impact of microplastic on nematodes: Soil type, plastic amount and aging as determinants for the fitness of Caenorhabditis elegans
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Researchers tested how two types of microplastics, conventional polyethylene and biodegradable PLA/PBAT, affected tiny soil worms called nematodes across different soil types. Conventional plastic at high concentrations reduced worm reproduction and growth, while the biodegradable plastic caused no harm. Importantly, as microplastics aged in the soil over time, their negative effects worsened, suggesting the long-term impact of plastic pollution in agricultural soil may be greater than short-term studies indicate.
Sublethal effects of microplastics sourced from polypropylene agricultural plastics on four soil invertebrate species
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Four soil invertebrate species were exposed to microplastics from polypropylene agricultural mulch at 0.005–5% concentrations in soil, finding reduced reproduction in enchytraeids and collembola and altered burrowing behavior in earthworms and isopods at higher doses.
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