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Aging of polypropylene plastic and impacts on microbial community structure in constructed wetlands
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This study examined how aging of polypropylene plastic from COVID-19 disposable masks affects microbial community structure in constructed wetland ecosystems. Results showed that weathered polypropylene altered the composition and function of wetland microbial communities, with implications for wetland biogeochemical cycling and pollutant treatment capacity.
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a substantial surge in the usage of disposable plastic masks, generating a significant volume of waste and contributing to environmental pollution. Wetland ecosystems function as crucial repositories for terrestrial pollutants and are highly effective in retaining disposable masks composed mainly of PP material. These masks can endure extended periods in wetlands, experiencing natural degradation that may have potential implications on wetland ecosystems. Our findings demonstrate the natural aging process of disposable masks, resulting in the generation of microplastics (MPs) ranging in diameter from 10 to 30 μm over a 180-day timeframe. Examination of 16S rDNA data unveiled temporal fluctuations in microbial diversity in the wetland ecosystem. Initially, microbial diversity displayed a modest incline, which was succeeded by a subsequent decrease. With the progressive accumulation of plastic within the wetland, an ongoing decline in microbial diversity linked to nitrogen transformation was observed. This study provides valuable insights into the retention of disposable masks by wetlands amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, along with their consequential effects on wetland ecosystems, specifically pertaining to nitrogen cycling. It underscores the urgency of augmenting the safeguarding measures for wetland ecosystems.
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Researchers tracked the aging of five microplastic polymer types — LDPE, HDPE, polypropylene, polystyrene, and PET — across four habitats within a wastewater constructed wetland over 18 months, finding that physical, chemical, and biological processes jointly drive weathering and microorganism colonisation of plastics in these treatment systems.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.