We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Degradation ability of Trichoderma spp. in the presence of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) microparticles
Summary
Researchers found that the soil fungus Trichoderma can partially break down PBAT, a popular biodegradable plastic, by detecting the breakdown product terephthalic acid after exposure. However, the presence of microplastics reduced the fungus's ability to degrade common agricultural pesticides. This suggests that microplastic contamination in soil could interfere with natural pollution cleanup processes carried out by beneficial soil microorganisms.
Investigating the effects of microplastics remains a pertinent issue given the extensive biodiversity of exposed organisms, variations in the mechanisms of action among individual polymers, and their reliance on environmental conditions. Therefore, the objective of the study was to investigate some interactions of the popular biodegradable plastic poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) on some aspects of the physiology of filamentous fungi Trichoderma spp., integral components of the soil microbiome known for promoting plant growth and aiding in pollution remediation. In the two Trichoderma strains examined, a positive influence on fungal growth was observed in the presence of microplastics (MPs). The capability to degrade MPs with the involvement of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases was confirmed through the detection of terephthalic acid (TPA) in postculture extractions. Additionally, inhibition of degradative activity in the presence of MPs was observed for metolachlor (MET) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Moreover, biodegradation pathways with the involvement several dechlorinated or hydroxylated metabolites were proposed for examined compunds. Concentration-dependent shifts in oxidative stress enzymes activity and slight modifications in phospholipid profiles were noted for the tested PBAT concentrations. In summary, this study enhances our understanding of PBAT's impact on the physiology of filamentous fungal and their degradative capacities important for mitigating environmental pollution by xenobiotics and plastics. • The toxicity of PBAT microparticles is concentration-dependent. • Fungi show varying levels of sensitivity in different culturing conditions. • Trichoderma sp. is capable of degrading PBAT. • The presence of PBAT can impact the herbicide degradation process. • Trichoderma sp. is able to absorb microplastic into cells.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Degradation of biodegradable plastic films in soil: microplastics formation and soil microbial community dynamics
Scientists tracked what happens when biodegradable PBAT plastic films break down in soil over 180 days and found they release microplastics that peaked before declining. Fungi broke the films into smaller pieces while bacteria consumed the fragments, suggesting that even plastics marketed as biodegradable generate microplastics during their breakdown, though soil microbes can eventually help clean them up.
Effect of prothioconazole on the degradation of microplastics derived from mulching plastic film: Apparent change and interaction with heavy metals in soil
Researchers examined how the fungicide prothioconazole affects the degradation of microplastics derived from polyethylene mulch film and biodegradable PBAT film in agricultural soil, finding that the pesticide inhibited microbial communities responsible for plastic breakdown and slowed degradation rates. The study highlights an underappreciated interaction between agricultural chemical use and plastic persistence in soil.
Adaptation of the metolachlor-degrading fungus Trichoderma harzianum to the simultaneous presence of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) microplastics
When LDPE microplastics and the herbicide metolachlor were both present in soil, the soil fungus Trichoderma harzianum showed altered membrane lipid composition but continued to break down the herbicide at normal rates. This suggests that while microplastics can stress soil microorganisms, they may not always impair the soil's ability to degrade agricultural chemicals — an important finding for understanding how plastic pollution affects farmland ecosystem function.
Degradation of microplastics in artificially polluted soil by bacterial and fungal isolates originating from landfill leachate
Researchers tested whether bacterial and fungal isolates from landfill leachate could degrade polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics in artificially polluted agricultural soil, finding that the microbial isolates showed measurable degradation activity against both polymer types.
Effect of propiconazole on plastic film microplastic degradation: Focusing on the change in microplastic morphology and heavy metal distribution
Researchers investigated how the fungicide propiconazole affects the degradation of PBAT and polyethylene plastic films in agricultural soils, examining changes in surface morphology and heavy metal adsorption and release characteristics at varying concentrations and soil pH values. The study found that propiconazole influenced microplastic degradation patterns and associated heavy metal distribution, with implications for contaminated agricultural soils.