We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Pollution characteristics of microplastics in greenhouse soil profiles with the long-term application of organic compost
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined microplastic pollution in greenhouse soils that received organic compost over a 15-year period. The study found that long-term compost application significantly increased microplastic accumulation in soil profiles, with particles gradually weathering into smaller fragments and migrating to deeper soil layers, and earthworms in compost-amended soils also contained elevated microplastic levels.
Organic composts are significant sources of microplastic (MP) pollution in soils, and their input is much higher in greenhouse agriculture than open-field agriculture. However, how long-term compost application affects MPs pollution in greenhouse soil profiles remains unclear. This study examined MPs characteristics in chicken manure compost and earthworms, exploring the long-term impacts of compost application on MPs accumulation and vertical migration in 0–100 cm soil depth through a 15-year greenhouse experiment. Microplastics abundance was 3965 items kg−1 in compost, 191–248 items kg−1 in compost-amended soils, and 2.73–4.52 items individual−1 in earthworms from compost-amended soils; the latter two increased significantly with compost application and were significantly higher than unamended soils. Soil MPs accumulation from long-term compost amendment contributed 45.4% of the total. The proportion of MPs <2 mm in compost (49.7%) was less than in compost-amended soils (65.5%) and earthworms (65.4%). Microplastics size and abundance decreased with increasing soil depth. Microplastics polymer types and shapes in composts, compost-amended soils, and earthworms exhibited similarities, mainly including polyethylene and polypropylene fragments and fibers. Compost-derived MPs in soils exhibited complex weathering morphology and adhered to mineral colloids. Therefore, soil MPs originating from compost gradually weathered and degraded into smaller particles and migrated to deeper soil, maybe resulting in more serious ecological issues.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic pollution in long-term urban compost amended soils
AI summary Read the abstract
This study examined microplastic pollution in soils that had received long-term amendments of urban compost, finding significant plastic contamination from compost application. The results highlight that composting can be a pathway for microplastics to enter agricultural soils.
Coarse microplastic accumulation patterns in agricultural soils during two decades of different urban composts application
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed 21 years of soil samples from fields treated with three different types of urban waste compost to track how microplastics accumulate over time. They found that all compost types introduced microplastics into the soil, with distinct patterns depending on the compost source, and that certain plastic types persisted and built up over decades. The study suggests that long-term compost application is a significant pathway for microplastic accumulation in agricultural soils.
Condition of composted microplastics after they have been buried for 30 years: Vertical distribution in the soil and degree of degradation
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined microplastic distribution and degradation in agricultural soil that received household waste compost more than 30 years earlier. The study found that microplastics remained concentrated in the cultivated soil layer without significant downward migration, and that polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and PVC accounted for 90% of particles, with advanced degradation raising concerns about increased leaching of contaminants into soil and the food supply.
Long-term application of organic compost is the primary contributor to microplastic pollution of soils in a wheat–maize rotation
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that 11 years of organic compost application was the primary contributor to microplastic accumulation in wheat-maize rotation soils, with pig and cow manure composts introducing significant quantities of microplastic particles into agricultural fields.
Spatio-temporal variation of soil microplastics as emerging pollutant after long-term application of plastic mulching and organic compost in apple orchards
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined microplastic accumulation in apple orchards after 3 to 26 years of plastic mulching and organic compost application, finding that microplastic concentrations increased with years of use and varied in vertical distribution through the soil profile.
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.