We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
A Comprehensive Analysis of Agricultural Non-Point Source Pollution in China: Current Status, Risk Assessment and Management Strategies
AI summary Read the abstract
This review analyzes agricultural pollution in China from fertilizers, pesticides, plastic films, livestock, and crop waste, and finds widespread nitrogen, phosphorus, and heavy metal contamination across provinces. Microplastic pollution from agricultural plastic films was assessed as low risk, but heavy metals like arsenic and cadmium pose serious cancer risks to adults and children. The study recommends strategies focused on reducing pollution at the source to protect both farmland and human health.
With the expansion of the scope and diversity of agricultural non-point source (AGNPS) pollution, environmental pollution in water bodies and soils has intensified, seriously affecting the quality of life of urban and rural residents. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the current status of AGNPS pollution from five aspects: fertilizers, pesticides, agricultural films, livestock and crop residues. The study also includes a comprehensive risk assessment of the nitrogen and phosphorus pollution, microplastic pollution, and heavy metal contamination attributed to the current AGNPS pollution in China. The findings reveal widespread nitrogen and phosphorus pollution across provinces in China, a low risk of microplastic pollution, and acute contamination with heavy metals such as As, Cd and Hg, notably in Hubei, Gansu, Liaoning, Guizhou, and Hunan. Additionally, the study reveals that in Chinese provinces currently facing severe heavy metal pollution, heavy metal contamination constitutes a significant carcinogenic risk to adult health and a serious non-carcinogenic risk to child health. Consequently, guided by the ‘3R theory’ principles of source reduction, interception, and remediation, this paper suggests an array of expanded strategies for AGNPS pollution management. These strategies are proposed to aid in the sustainable advancement of AGNPS pollution control.
More Papers Like This
Potential sources and occurrence of macro-plastics and microplastics pollution in farmland soils: A typical case of China
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines plastic pollution in Chinese farmland soils, finding that agricultural practices like mulch film use and sewage sludge application are major sources of both macro- and microplastics that accumulate over time.
Agricultural Environmental Pollution, Risk Assessment, and Control
AI summary Read the abstract
This book chapter reviews the growing burden of agricultural environmental pollution — from pesticide residues to microplastics and heavy metals — and evaluates risk assessment frameworks and control strategies for protecting soil health and food safety.
The Plastic Age: River Pollution in China from Crop Production and Urbanization
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed an integrated model estimating that 716 kilotons of plastics entered Chinese rivers annually from crop production mulching, sewage systems, and mismanaged solid waste, with agricultural plastic films being a major but often overlooked source.
Sustainable Plasticulture in Chinese Agriculture: a Review of Challenges and Routes to Achieving Long-term Food and Ecosecurity
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines the challenges of plasticulture in Chinese agriculture, where macro-, micro-, and nanoplastic pollution from mulch films threatens long-term soil health and crop production. The authors propose holistic solutions targeting plastic production, use, and waste management to protect food security.
Status, characteristics, and ecological risks of microplastics in farmland surface soils cultivated with different crops across mainland China
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted a nationwide survey of microplastics in farmland soils across mainland China, covering over 30 crop types in 109 cities. They found microplastics in all sampled soils, with concentrations varying by crop type, region, and farming practices such as plastic film mulching and irrigation methods. The study provides the most comprehensive picture to date of agricultural microplastic contamination in China and identifies the key farming practices that contribute most to soil pollution.
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.