We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Effects of microplastics and acid rain on soil chemical properties, enzyme activity, and bacterial communities
Summary
A controlled soil experiment found that conventional polyethylene and biodegradable polylactic acid microplastics both alter soil microbial communities and nutrient dynamics, with effects that change further under acid rain conditions — for example, biodegradable PLA at 2% concentration reduced bacterial diversity and shifted community composition. The results suggest that acid rain, which affects large regions of China and Europe, can amplify the soil ecosystem disruptions caused by microplastics, compounding two major environmental stressors.
While the adverse impacts of microplastics (MPs) on soil ecosystems have been extensively documented, their combined effects with acid rain (AR) remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polylactic acid (PLA) on soil properties, enzyme activities, and bacterial communities in soils with different acid rain levels. The results showed that microplastics had negligible effects on soil pH but significantly altered available phosphorus content. Notably, 2 % PLA increased soil organic carbon and acid phosphatase activity, though AR did not further enhance acid phosphatase activity. In contrast, AR significantly stimulated β-D-glucosidase activity regardless of microplastic presence. Redundancy analysis identified available phosphorus and acid phosphatase as key drivers of microbial community structure. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that 2 % PLA reduced bacterial α-diversity and reshaped community composition, with these effects being exacerbated under low AR level conditions. At the phylum level, 2 % PLA increased the relative abundance of Proteobacteria while decreasing that of Firmicutes. At the genus level, 2 % PLA enhanced the prevalence of Bradyrhizobium and Paraburkholderia but reduced that of Sinomonas. These findings bridge critical knowledge gaps regarding the risks of microplastics in acid rain-affected regions.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Effect of polyethylene microplastics and acid rain on the agricultural soil ecosystem in Southern China
Researchers studied how polyethylene microplastics interact with acid rain in agricultural soils in Southern China. They found that microplastics reduced soil water retention and nitrate nitrogen, and when combined with acid rain at high concentrations, further decreased total nitrogen and increased CO emissions. The study suggests that interactions between microplastics and other environmental stressors like acid rain may compound their effects on soil ecosystems.
Response of soil enzyme activities and bacterial communities to the accumulation of microplastics in an acid cropped soil
Researchers tested how polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride microplastics at different concentrations affect enzyme activity and bacterial communities in acidic agricultural soil. Both types of microplastics reduced the diversity of soil bacteria while stimulating certain enzymes related to nitrogen and phosphorus cycling. The findings suggest that microplastic accumulation in farmland may alter important soil biological processes, potentially affecting nutrient cycling and the breakdown of pollutants.
Effects of Polyethylene Microplastics and Phenanthrene on Soil Properties, Enzyme Activities and Bacterial Communities
Researchers conducted a year-long soil microcosm experiment finding that polyethylene microplastics and phenanthrene, individually and combined, significantly altered soil pH, enzyme activities, and bacterial community diversity and function, with combined pollution showing the most pronounced effects.
Unraveling consequences of the co-exposure of polyethylene microplastics and acid rain on plant-microbe-soil system
Researchers found that co-exposure to polyethylene microplastics and acid rain produced interactive effects on the soil-lettuce system, with high microplastic concentrations combined with acid rain increasing soil CO2 emissions and altering microbial community structure.
Independent and combined effects of microplastics pollution and drought on soil bacterial community
Researchers studied how polyethylene and polylactic acid microplastics, combined with drought conditions, affect soil bacteria. Very small (20 micrometer) biodegradable PLA microplastics significantly reduced bacterial diversity by over 17%, while conventional polyethylene had less impact. The results suggest that the combined stress of microplastic pollution and drought could meaningfully alter soil microbial communities that are essential for healthy ecosystems and agriculture.