We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics and cadmium pollution in Chinese sweet potato fields
AI summary Read the abstract
This study characterized microplastic and cadmium co-contamination in Chinese sweet potato fields, finding that microplastics affect cadmium mobility in soil and that combined exposure alters cadmium uptake by sweet potato crops.
Context and background Microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals (HMs) coexist in the farmland of China. Motivation It still remains unclear the extent of their exposure and distribution in sweet potato fields. Hypothesis Polyethylene (PE) or polyamide (PA) is the main MP pollutant in contaminated sweet potato sites, and the MP abundance in low-latitude and eastern areas is highest. Methods: In this study, saturated NaCl solution, a stereo microscope, a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, and an electrothermal digester are used for the extraction, observation, identification of MPs, and analysis of Cd elements in soil, respectively. Methods In this study, saturated NaCl solution, a stereo microscope, a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, and an electrothermal digester are used for the extraction, observation, identification of MPs, and analysis of Cd elements in soil, respectively. Results Here, we found an average MP level of 112,400 items/kg in 30 sweet potato field sites based on the items in 5 g soil and the magnification (200x), and the maximum abundance was 197,153 items/kg in Laiyang city, Shandong province, by field survey. The distribution characteristics of MPs are middle-latitude areas < low-latitude areas, and eastern areas > central areas. Most MPs are of the fragment and film shape, which account for 47.96 and 40.22%, respectively. In order to detect MP polymers in three cities named “Liancheng,” “Huanggang,” and “Laiyang” with different degrees of development, a laser infrared imaging system was used as a novel instrument to explore the MPs larger than 10 μm. Conclusion The results showed that PA is the main MP pollutant in contaminated sweet potato sites, and soil texture, planting time, and urbanization processes may be the main factors affecting MP distribution. The average cadmium (Cd) concentration in 215 field sites is 0.15 mg/kg, and the local Cd pollution is existing, but the overall pollution is low. In addition, Cd concentration was negatively correlated with MP abundance. This study reveals the status of MP and also Cd pollution in sweet potato fields, which provides a theoretical basis for the safe production and utilization of sweet potato fields.
More Papers Like This
The original polyethylene microplastics inhibit the growth of sweet potatoes and increase the safety risk of cadmium
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers grew sweet potatoes in soils containing polyethylene microplastics and cadmium and found that microplastics inhibited plant growth and increased cadmium uptake into edible tubers, raising food safety concerns for crops grown in agriculturally contaminated soils.
Effects of microplastics and cadmium co-contamination on soil properties, maize (Zea mays L.) growth characteristics, and cadmium accumulation in maize in loessial soil-maize systems
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied the combined effects of polyethylene microplastics and cadmium on soil properties and maize growth through pot experiments. They found that microplastics altered soil nutrient availability and, depending on size and concentration, either increased or decreased cadmium uptake by the plants. The study suggests that microplastic contamination in agricultural soils can change how crops absorb toxic heavy metals, with potential implications for food safety.
Microplastics promoted cadmium accumulation in maize plants by improving active cadmium and amino acid synthesis
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined how polystyrene and polypropylene microplastics interact with cadmium contamination to affect soil chemistry and cadmium uptake in maize plants across two soil types. The study found that microplastics generally promoted cadmium accumulation in maize by reducing soil pH and increasing cadmium bioavailability, with effects varying by particle size depending on the soil type.
Susceptibility of Cd availability in microplastics contaminated paddy soil: Influence of ferric minerals and sulfate reduction
AI summary Read the abstract
When microplastics and cadmium contaminate paddy soil together — a common situation in agricultural areas — microplastics increase the availability of cadmium to plants, raising the risk of cadmium uptake into food crops like rice. The mechanism involves microplastics releasing dissolved organic matter that disrupts iron mineral cycling and promotes sulfate-reducing bacteria, which in turn mobilize cadmium from soil particles. These findings highlight that microplastic pollution in farmland does not act alone — it can amplify the toxicity of co-occurring heavy metal contaminants.
Polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics reduce chemisorption of cadmium in paddy soil and increase its bioaccessibility and bioavailability
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics reduce cadmium chemisorption in paddy soil while increasing its bioaccessibility and bioavailability, suggesting that microplastic contamination in rice paddies could enhance heavy metal uptake by crops and human dietary exposure.
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.