We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Evidence that co-existing cadmium and microplastics have an antagonistic effect on greenhouse gas emissions from paddy field soils
AI summary Read the abstract
This study examined how the co-presence of microplastics and cadmium affects greenhouse gas emissions from paddy field soils. Researchers found that polylactic acid and polyethylene microplastics had an antagonistic interaction with cadmium, meaning their combined effect on greenhouse gas emissions was less than expected from either pollutant alone.
Accumulation of microplastics (MPs) and cadmium (Cd) are ubiquitous in paddy soil. However, the combined effects of MPs and Cd on physiochemical and microbial mechanisms in soils and the attendant implications for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, remain largely unknown. Here, we evaluated the influence of polylactic acid (PLA) and polyethylene (PE) MPs on GHG emissions from Cd-contaminated paddy soil using a microcosm experiment under waterlogged and drained conditions. The results showed that PLA significantly increased CH and NO emission fluxes and hence the global warming potential (GWP) of waterlogged soil. Soils treated with MPs+Cd showed significantly reduced GWP compared to those treated only with MPs suggesting that, irrespective of attendant consequences, Cd could alleviate NO emissions in the presence of MPs. Conversely, the presence of MPs in Cd-contaminated soils tended to alleviate the bioavailability of Cd. Based on a structural equation model analysis, both the MPs-derived dissolved organic matter and the soil bioavailable Cd affected indirectly on soil GHG emissions through their direct influencing on microbial abundance (e.g., Firmicutes, Nitrospirota bacteria). These findings provide new insights into the assessment of GHG emissions and soil/cereal security in response to MPs and Cd coexistence that behaved antagonistically with respect to adverse ecological effects in paddy systems.
More Papers Like This
Effects of microplastics and cadmium on the soil-wheat system as single and combined contaminants
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics combined with cadmium reduced wheat chlorophyll concentrations and affected soil-plant systems differently depending on pollution levels, revealing complex interaction effects between co-contaminants.
Interactions of microplastics and cadmium on plant growth and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities in an agricultural soil
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied how polyethylene and polylactic acid microplastics interact with cadmium contamination to affect maize growth and beneficial soil fungi in agricultural soil. While polyethylene showed minimal direct plant toxicity, high doses of polylactic acid significantly reduced maize biomass, and both plastic types altered the communities of root-associated fungi. The study suggests that co-contamination of microplastics and heavy metals in farmland can jointly disrupt plant health and soil ecosystems.
Mechanisms Associated with Lower Methane Emissions from Paddy Soil by Aged Polylactic Acid Microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that paddy fields with certain management practices emitted less methane, linking microplastic content and soil microbial community shifts to reduced greenhouse gas output. The study highlights how plastic contamination in agricultural soils can unexpectedly alter the carbon cycle.
Interactive effects of microplastics and cadmium on soil properties, microbial communities and bok choy growth
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers grew bok choy in soil amended with polyethylene microplastics (0.5-2% by weight) and cadmium to assess interactive effects on soil properties, microbial communities, and plant growth. Combined exposure produced distinct synergistic and antagonistic interactions compared to either pollutant alone, altering soil enzyme activity, bacterial diversity, and plant metal uptake.
Coupled Effects of Polyethylene Microplastics and Cadmium on Soil–Plant Systems: Impact on Soil Properties and Cadmium Uptake in Lettuce
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied how polyethylene microplastics interact with cadmium contamination in soil and its effects on lettuce growth. The study found that microplastics combined with cadmium significantly decreased soil quality and that microplastics can alter cadmium uptake in plants, suggesting that co-contamination of agricultural soils with both pollutants may pose compounded risks to food crop safety.
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.