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Production and characterisation of environmentally relevant microplastic test materials derived from agricultural plastics
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Researchers produced large batches of microplastic test materials from agricultural mulching films, including both conventional polyethylene and biodegradable starch-based films. They thoroughly characterized the physical and chemical properties of both the original films and the resulting microplastic particles, including screening for chemical additives. The study provides much-needed standardized reference materials for scientists studying how agricultural microplastics behave in and affect soil environments.
Soil environments across the globe, particularly in agricultural settings, have now been shown to be contaminated with microplastics. Agricultural plastics - such as mulching films - are used in close or direct contact with soils and there is growing evidence demonstrating that they represent a potential source of microplastics. There is a demand to undertake fate and effects studies to understand the behaviour and potential long-term ecological risks of this contamination. Yet, there is a lack of test materials available for this purpose. This study describes the manufacture and characterisation of five large (1-40 kg) batches of microplastic test materials derived from agricultural mulching films. Batches were produced from either polyethylene-based conventional mulching films or starch-polybutadiene adipate terephthalate blend mulching films that are certified biodegradable in soil. Challenges encountered and overcome during the micronisation process provide valuable insights into the future of microplastic test material generation from these material types. This includes difficulties in micronising virgin polyethylene film materials. All five batches were subjected to a thorough physical and chemical characterisation - both of the original virgin films and the subsequent microplastic particles generated - including a screening for the presence of chemical additives. This is a critical step to provide essential information for interpreting particle fate or effects in scientific testing. Trade-offs between obtaining preferred particle typologies and time and cost constraints are elucidated. Several recommendations emerging from the experiences gained in this study are put forward to advance the research field towards greater harmonisation and utilisation of environmentally relevant test materials.
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Researchers developed a lab-scale multi-step mechanical procedure to produce environmentally representative microplastics and nanoplastics from commercial agricultural plastic mulch films -- including polybutylene succinate adipate and polyethylene mulch -- enabling more ecologically relevant ecotoxicity and fate studies compared to idealized polystyrene microspheres.
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